Uzbekistan seals deal with Hungary for nuclear cooling technology

Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.

Share:

The Atomic Energy Agency of Uzbekistan, Uzatom, has formalised a protocol with the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and MVM EGI, concerning cooperation around future national nuclear projects. According to the Uzbek agency, this protocol foresees the introduction of mechanically driven dry cooling systems for nuclear facilities, the preparation of technical and commercial proposals, and the creation of a joint venture for large-scale assembly of these systems in Uzbekistan.

Strengthened nuclear cooperation

This new agreement builds on the memorandum of understanding signed in May between MVM EGI and Uzatom, focused on the deployment of dry cooling technology developed by the Hungarian company. MVM EGI, a subsidiary of the MVM Group since 2020, benefits from decades of experience in this sector. Its site in Bilibino, Russia, remains the only global reference for the application of dry cooling at a nuclear power plant, operational since 1972.

The agreement also mentions the establishment of educational programmes and internships led by Hungary. The creation of a joint venture based in a special economic zone within the country aims to strengthen industrial localisation. According to Uzatom, this initiative will increase the share of local production and support regional industrial development.

Deployment of new capacity and regional partnerships

Discussions held in Tashkent this week involved representatives from Atomstroyexport Joint Stock Company and Atomenergoproyekt Joint Stock Company, subsidiaries of the Russian group Rosatom. Uzbekistan is also preparing for the construction of a small modular reactor plant in the Jizzah region, to be equipped with six RITM-200N units of 55 megawatts electric provided by Rosatom.

Another agreement, signed in June, includes a feasibility study for a high-capacity nuclear plant with two to four VVER-1000 units. The Uzbek strategy relies on diversifying partners and technologies, with a particular focus on localising production and regional industrial integration.

The stakeholders stated that consolidating a multilateral partnership based on transparency and mutual benefit is a key element for the success of one of the largest energy projects in Central Asia. Negotiations on the operational implementation of these agreements are ongoing.

The regulatory approval granted to PT Thorcon Power Indonesia for its site study on Kelasa Island marks a decisive step toward the development of the country’s first private nuclear project.
Uranium output from American mines surged more than thirteen-fold in 2024, driven by increased investment, exploration drilling and a partial restart of industrial capacity across several key states.
NextEra Energy launches the recommissioning of the Duane Arnold nuclear site in Iowa, aiming to inject over 600 MWe back into the grid to meet the growing electricity demand of the American industrial sector.
Nasa has launched a call for tenders for a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, aiming to support American ambitions for a permanent base, despite budget uncertainties and mounting pressure from China and Russia.
Explosions were heard near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, still under Russian military control, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the site and the Ukrainian energy sector.
Tractebel and NRG-Pallas have formalised the continuation of their technical cooperation at the Pallas research reactor site in Petten, the Netherlands, reinforcing their commitment to a key project in the European nuclear sector.
Tanzania, together with Russia, is starting construction of a uranium plant in Namtumbo for $1.2bn, aiming to boost mining revenues and secure a place in the global nuclear industry.
South Korea forecasts 2.4% annual growth in nuclear generation, with 29 operational reactors by 2035 and export ambitions for the sector.
TEPCO reports a significant net loss due to nuclear compensation charges and debris removal preparations, while its revenues decline over the period.
Rolls-Royce SMR has entered into cooperation agreements with Škoda JS and Curtiss-Wright to accelerate the manufacturing of essential components and the supply of safety systems as part of its international development of modular reactors.
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor will not reach full power until before the end of autumn, postponing the initially scheduled date due to preventive maintenance operations on the primary circuit valves.
French group Orano returns to profitability in the first half of the year, supported by strong plant performance and stabilisation of international activities, notably after resolving the situation in Niger.
Hunatom announces a strategic alliance with Synthos Green Energy to introduce US small modular reactor technology, strengthening energy ties between Hungary, Poland and the United States.
Unit 3 of the Tomari nuclear power plant takes a major step towards restart after its safety equipment was validated by the Japanese regulator.
The Russian Minister of Energy announces strengthened cooperation in uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger, reinforcing Russia's economic presence in a key sector following the withdrawal of several Western players.
Last Energy reaches a key regulatory step for its PWR-20 microreactor project in Llynfi, advancing towards the objective of securing a site licence by December 2027 from British authorities.
Slovenské elektrárne has signed an agreement with Urenco for the purchase of enriched uranium for the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants, strengthening the diversification of its supply sources until the mid-2030s.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signs two major agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Westinghouse, strengthening its position in the global civil nuclear market and paving the way for new international industrial opportunities.
First Hydrogen expands its collaboration with the University of Alberta to optimise small modular nuclear reactor design and support green hydrogen development amid the growth of artificial intelligence data centres.
The French and Belgian energy ministers have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen ties between Paris and Brussels on nuclear energy, as Belgium has abandoned its 2003 nuclear phase-out plan.