The small-scale nuclear power plant (SSNPP) project planned to be built in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan is being implemented on the basis of a complex financial scheme. Azim Akhmedkhodjayev, the head of Uzatom, said this in an interview with the Alter Ego YouTube channel.
Preferential loans from China, but no Russian funds
According to Akhmedkhodjayev, the turbines and electrical equipment necessary for the project will be supplied by China, and financing will be provided by China on preferential terms.
At the same time, there are several foreign investment companies that have expressed interest in the project. They will participate as beneficiaries, not as owners of the plant. In other words, this project is being implemented on the basis of a complex, multilateral financing scheme.
It is noteworthy that Uzatom will not attract Russian funds to the project. The reason for this is the geopolitical situation. The head of the agency made a clear statement on this issue, emphasizing that Russian funds will be “not used at all.”
Minimal participation from the budget, emphasis on foreign investment
Ahmadkhodjayev said that the state budget will participate in the project, but in a very small amount. The main financial burden will fall on foreign investors and investment companies. At the same time, the state is trying to minimize external debt and guarantee mechanisms as much as possible.
“It is not financially difficult”
The interview also clarified the assumptions that the project is facing financial difficulties. Ahmadkhodjayev categorically denied this idea, answering, “It is not at all so.”
NPP project: technology from Russia, the solution is international
On May 27 of this year, Uzatom and the Russian company Rosatom signed an agreement on the construction of a small NPP. The station will be built on the basis of the RITM-200N pressurized water reactor developed in Russia. The power of this reactor is 55 MW, and its service life is up to 60 years.
The first reactor of the station is planned to be commissioned within five years. At the same time, the Uzbek side aims to involve not only Russian technologies, but also Chinese non-nuclear equipment, European software and other hardware in the project.
An “international consortium” will be formed
The head of Uzatom stated that an international consortium is planned to be formed to build a small nuclear power plant. International suppliers of auxiliary structures, turbines, generators and other systems will be involved.
The president’s position: a strategic project
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also highlighted the strategic importance of the project. He said that today, countries around the world are ensuring energy security and stability through nuclear energy. Uzbekistan, as a country with uranium reserves, cannot remain aloof from this path.
