Uzbekistan outlines nuclear energy priorities at 70th IAEA General Conference
**Uzbekistan sets nuclear energy priorities at the 70th IAEA General Conference**
Uzbekistan presented updates on the development of its nuclear energy program and its plans for deeper cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the 70th IAEA General Conference in Vienna.
The conference began on September 14 at the Vienna International Centre and runs until September 18. The anniversary meeting gathers IAEA member states, international organizations and experts to address nuclear energy, safety, safeguards and technical cooperation.
Gustavo Rodolfo Zlauvinen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Argentina to the International Organizations in Vienna, was chosen to chair the 70th session. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi gave the opening remarks. Uzbekistan’s delegation is led by Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, director of the Uzatom Agency, who delivered the country’s national statement at the conference.
Delegates from China, Cyprus, the United States, the European Union, France, India, Niger, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Singapore also delivered national statements during the general debate. In his remarks, Akhmedkhadjaev reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. Uzbekistan operates a state system for accounting for and controlling nuclear materials in line with IAEA standards.
“The Republic of Uzbekistan consistently reaffirms its firm commitment to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.”
The country has also completed ratification of several international legal instruments connected to nuclear and radiation safety. These include conventions on early notification of a nuclear accident, nuclear safety and assistance in the event of a nuclear or radiation accident, as well as the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.
“The completion of ratification procedures for key international legal instruments has become a key vector for strengthening the national legal framework.”
Uzbekistan is building its nuclear energy program around an integrated setup that combines two high-capacity Generation III+ power units with two low-capacity units. A major part of Uzbekistan’s statement focused on the nuclear power plant project in the Jizzakh region. On June 4, the first concrete was poured at the site in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, marking the start of construction.
“For Uzbekistan, this year has become a significant milestone in the development of our national nuclear energy program. We have moved on to the practical implementation of the region's first nuclear power plant project, including a unique integrated configuration unparalleled globally.”
Uzbekistan also referred to an IAEA review mission carried out in the country from June 22 to 26. The statement said the assessment recorded progress in developing the nuclear sector, updating legislation and carrying out recommendations made in 2021.
“The IAEA's findings confirmed Uzbekistan's significant progress in developing nuclear energy, modernizing legislation, and implementing 2021 recommendations thanks to a close partnership.”
Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the IAEA is now being carried out through a joint Roadmap, Country Framework Program and Comprehensive Work Plan following agreements between Mirziyoyev and Grossi.
“Following the agreements reached between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the joint Roadmap, Country Framework Program, and Comprehensive Work Plan are being successfully implemented.”
Uzbekistan also described its cooperation with the IAEA beyond power generation, including the use of nuclear technologies in healthcare and agriculture. The country takes part in the IAEA’s ZODIAC and Atoms4Food initiatives and is applying nuclear technologies in agriculture, including work on drought-resistant crops. In healthcare, cooperation includes the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative. Since 1994, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health has received technical assistance from the Agency, including tomography equipment, gamma therapy machines, dosimetry equipment and laboratory infrastructure.
According to the statement, 273 specialists have completed training at an ISO-compliant training center. Uzbekistan plans to modernize 15 regional cancer centers and expand nuclear medicine services by 2030.
“We highly value the Agency's humanitarian mission – the Rays of Hope program. We are convinced that these projects will improve access to modern oncology care throughout the republic.”
Uzbekistan also set out several priorities for the rest of 2026. These include finishing the feasibility study for the nuclear power plant, continuing construction of the integrated facility, signing contracts for nuclear fuel supply and physical security, and expanding personnel training and localization.
“By the end of this year, we plan to continue construction of the integrated NPP, sign contracts for fuel supply and physical security, and strengthen personnel training and localization.”
The Uzbek delegation said the country will keep working with the IAEA on nuclear safety, non-proliferation, infrastructure development, healthcare and other peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
“Peaceful nuclear energy must serve progress, energy security, and sustainable development.”
Uzbekistan also said it is ready to broaden international and regional cooperation with the IAEA as it continues to implement its nuclear energy program.