Uzbekistan and the United States formalized a nuclear cooperation agreement focused on safety and regulatory oversight at a recent International Atomic Energy Agency conference in Vienna. The memorandum of understanding covers monitoring practices, operational safety protocols, and emergency response procedures, and includes provisions for American technical assistance in developing regulatory frameworks and training initiatives. An Uzbek government statement emphasized that the agreement would enhance information sharing between the two nations’ nuclear regulatory authorities and support the safe development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
The bilateral arrangement comes as Uzbekistan pursues construction of its first nuclear power facility, a project being developed with Russian backing through Rosatom, the state-controlled Russian nuclear corporation. The planned complex includes two large-capacity reactors and two smaller modular units. The decision to engage American expertise in safety matters appears linked to construction delays and questions about the project’s timeline and financial viability.
During the same IAEA gathering, Uzbek officials also met with their Russian counterparts to discuss the ongoing reactor construction project. While the Russian meetings did not yield formal agreements, Uzbek statements indicated that bilateral discussions have focused on refining inspection methodologies and enforcing safety standards throughout all phases of design, construction, and operation.
In early September, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the establishment of an international consortium to oversee the construction effort. The consortium structure reflects efforts to strengthen project management capabilities and increase technical supervision of the development, addressing apparent concerns about execution and coordination of the multiphase nuclear initiative.
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