Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Representatives from Uzbekistan visited the Kaluga region to discuss expanding cooperation in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, with a particular focus on nuclear education and technology. 

In May 2024, Rosatom State Corporation signed an agreement to construct the first overseas small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant in Jizzakh region, making the visit to Obninsk enterprises and the Rosatom Technical Academy, an international center for nuclear industry training, a key part of the delegation’s program.

Larisa Vorobyeva, Deputy Head of the Kaluga Region Government’s Representative Office to the Government of the Russian Federation, highlighted the importance of the visit: "As the technological integrator of Rosatom State Corporation in personnel training for overseas nuclear power plants, the Technical Academy provides educational support throughout the entire lifecycle of a nuclear power plant, training construction, operational, maintenance personnel, and instructors for training centers."

The development of nuclear education programs, the establishment of operating organizations, and regulatory bodies are essential steps in building Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy infrastructure. Rosatom’s Technical Academy has developed special courses on nuclear power plant technologies, international and Russian standards, and physical protection programs for national security personnel. Educational activities for university educators are also being conducted.

Vladimir Aspidov emphasized the long-term nature of nuclear energy projects: "The lifespan of a nuclear power plant is over 60 years. Therefore, even during the construction phase, it is crucial to establish a system for training personnel that will ensure the plant is staffed with qualified personnel throughout its operation."

Ergash Saliev, a representative from Jizzakh region, noted that the region is becoming an industrial center of Uzbekistan, with developments in automotive manufacturing, textiles, building materials, and plumbing. The launch of the SMR project will provide job opportunities for young specialists and attract population growth from neighboring regions.

During their visit, the Uzbek delegation was introduced to modern training and skill development tools for the nuclear industry, including the multifunctional VVER-1200 simulator and a model of a hypothetical nuclear facility.

The contract for the construction of Uzbekistan’s SMR, signed by Rosatom during President Vladimir Putin’s visit, is the world’s first export contract for an SMR. The project involves the construction of a 330 MW SMR in Jizzakh region, consisting of six RITM-200 reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. The general contractor is Atomstroyexport (ASE), with local companies involved in the project.

The Rosatom Technical Academy, a leading educational and research center of Rosatom, specializes in additional professional education, retraining for nuclear energy and industry professionals, and personnel certification.

In 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Uzatom Agency, Rosenergoatom Concern JSC, and Rosatom Technical Academy to develop Uzbekistan’s national nuclear infrastructure and increase public awareness of nuclear technologies and their applications. Uzbek specialists participate in educational and outreach activities organized by Rosatom Technical Academy in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).