Public hearings held on project to construct nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan
TASHKENT. Dec 24 (Interfax) - Public hearings on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) materials for the construction project for Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant were held in Bogdon, Farish District, Jizzakh Region, where the plant is planned to be located, the press service of the country's Atomic Energy Agency, Uzatom, said.
The residents of Farish and neighboring districts, the representatives of more than 30 organizations, local government agencies, the scientific community, environmental organizations, journalists, and international and domestic nuclear energy experts participated in the event.
Key project parameters were presented to participants during the open discussion. Specifically, it was noted that two high-capacity VVER-1000 power units and two low-capacity RITM-200N power units with a total installed capacity of approximately 2,100 MW are planned to be located on a single site for the first time in global practice. The combined configuration is expected to generate up to 15 billion kWh of electricity per year. JSC Atomstroyexport, the engineering division of Rosatom state nuclear energy corporation, is the general contractor for the project.
Safety issues received special attention during the hearings. Experts discussed modern passive protection systems, safety-in-depth principles, and measures to ensure the reliable operation of both large and small power units, including during a complete power outage.
Spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management issues were also addressed. The Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan's extensive experience in this area was noted.
A comprehensive environmental impact assessment, conducted taking into account all environmental components, confirmed the project's compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and national legal requirements, the agency emphasized.
An open discussion was held following the presentations, with over 60 participants addressing issues of radiation safety, the project's effect on water resources and agriculture, job creation, the development of social and transport infrastructure, and compensation measures for local residents.
A protocol incorporating all submitted proposals was approved by a majority vote following the hearings. The materials will be submitted to the authorized bodies for further review.
Uzatom considered the public hearings to have been a success.
