Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  An international conference titled "Prospects for the Development of Nuclear Energy in Central Asian States and the Environmental Aspects of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Operations" took place in Tashkent.

The event was organized by the International Union of Veterans of Nuclear Energy and Industry (IUVNEI) in collaboration with the Council of Veterans of Nuclear Science and Technology at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (INP).

The conference brought together nuclear industry veterans from CIS and European countries, as well as scientists and nuclear technology experts from Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Participants discussed the benefits of SMRs, approaches to tackling Central Asia’s energy challenges, the nuclear fuel cycle for small reactors, and the environmental aspects of nuclear energy on a smaller scale.

In his opening remarks, Vitaliy Lebedenko, Deputy Chairman and Secretary of IUVNEI, highlighted the potential of nuclear technology applications in medicine, space, desalination, and even food production, noting that the conference would feature insights on nuclear development in Central Asia.

Sirajiddin Mirzayev, Vice President of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, stressed the timeliness of the conference’s focus. He expressed confidence that the exchange of ideas and experiences would lay the groundwork for new initiatives to foster sustainable nuclear development and environmental protection.

Ilham Sadikov, Director of the INP, detailed Uzbekistan’s advancements in nuclear technology, noting developments in radioisotope production, mineral processing, and medical sterilization. He highlighted the research reactor at INP, which supports scientific research and radioisotope production, including iodine-125, recognized globally for its quality.

The conference concluded with an award ceremony, where Ilham Sadikov and Professor Bakhtiyar Kurbanov were honored with IUVNEI medals for their contributions to nuclear energy and industry.

The conference resolution underscored nuclear energy’s crucial role in sustainable development. Participants emphasized that advancements in nuclear technology, particularly SMRs, can offer low-carbon energy solutions for remote or autonomous communities and stressed the importance of nuclear energy as a response to the region’s water resource challenges.