Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The announcement that construction work on a small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant will begin this summer in Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan has raised many questions. Uzdaily’s editorial team has investigated the technology to be used in the SMR project, how it differs from the VVER-1200 reactor technology used in large power plants, its reliability and safety, and who will be involved in the construction work.

A New Nuclear Project

Since the intergovernmental agreement between Uzbekistan and Russia on cooperation in the construction of the first nuclear power plant with two VVER-1200 reactor units, much has happened. The plant was planned to be built near Lake Tuzkan in Jizzakh region. Since then, IAEA missions have visited the country, and engineering surveys have been conducted. Additionally, since 2019, efforts have been underway to train personnel for the nuclear industry at the branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI in Tashkent. Over the years, negotiations have continued on the nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan.

The need for a reliable source of generation became more apparent after the first blackout during the cold winter of 2022, confirming experts’ predictions that the country’s capacity needs are growing and that there is a shortage of electricity for both the population and industry. The situation has worsened with the reduction of domestic gas production, the cessation of exports, and the transition to importing energy resources. As a result, during a recent visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Uzbekistan, a new agreement was signed for the construction of a small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) in the Jizzakh region with six power units and a total capacity of 330 MW, with a service life of 60 years.

Features of the Small Modular Reactor

Both projects for the construction of nuclear power plants (large capacity and SMR) share the technology of Generation 3+ water-water reactors, compliance with international safety requirements, reference status, and comprehensive vendor support, which includes services for the construction of the nuclear power plant. This process begins with the design of the plant, organization of construction and installation work, supply of equipment and materials, commissioning, operation, and maintenance. Regardless of the plant’s capacity, Rosatom provides full support in training highly qualified personnel for the management and operation of the nuclear power plant.

However, the key difference in technology lies in the fact that the SMR project is based on the latest Russian development – the RITM-200N water-water reactor, an adaptation of the innovative small modular reactor technology used in marine applications (RITM-200) for land-based deployment. The RITM-200 reactors have been tested in harsh Arctic conditions on the latest Russian icebreakers. To date, ten RITM-200 reactors have been manufactured, with six already in operation on the "Arktika," "Sibir," and "Ural" icebreakers, and the "Yakutia" icebreaker undergoing sea trials.

A key feature of the RITM-200 series reactors is their integral design, meaning that the reactor core and steam generators are housed within a single reactor vessel. Currently, Rosatom is the only entity offering SMRs with an integral design on the market. The land-based SMR based on the RITM-200N technology is compact, has a shorter construction time compared to large nuclear power plants, and meets all post-Fukushima safety requirements for modern nuclear power plant projects.

According to the vendor, modern SMR projects with RITM-200 series reactors boast a high level of safety achieved through multiple layers of physical barriers and a combination of active and passive safety systems. This approach virtually eliminates the possibility of an accident and prevents the release of radioactive substances into the environment.

Who Will Build the Nuclear Power Plant?

Rosatom practices engaging local companies to provide additional jobs during the construction of nuclear power plants. This practice has proven effective at construction sites in other countries where nuclear power plants using Russian reference technologies are being built or have already been built (Turkey, Bangladesh, Hungary, Belarus, India, China, Egypt). 

Local companies with sufficient resources, qualifications, and experience in building strategic facilities will be involved in the construction work. Additionally, the vendor assures that continuous monitoring and supervision of all stages of construction will be provided according to construction requirements and standards.

According to Rosatom, the maximum number of specialists simultaneously engaged on the construction site of the SMR will exceed 2,000 people.

"When constructing the SMR in Uzbekistan, all specialists will undergo aptitude testing for professional suitability and necessary skills. Subsequently, personnel will be required to undergo mandatory training to improve qualifications for specific tasks. There are also strict quality control criteria at all key production points, ensuring continuous monitoring," commented Rosatom’s press service.