Uzbekistan considers engaging Italy’s Ansaldo Energia in its first nuclear project

Italy’s Ansaldo Energia Holding may be engaged in Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) project, the Agency for Atomic Energy under the Cabinet of Ministers (Uzatom) reported.

On 20 October, Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjayev met with representatives of Ansaldo Energia and its subsidiary Ansaldo Nucleare, which specializes in nuclear power technologies.

The parties discussed expanding cooperation on the implementation of Uzbekistan’s first NPP project, focusing on technological integration and the adaptation of auxiliary system solutions from Italian partners to Uzbekistan’s climatic conditions.

In particular, they considered the possibility of involving the holding’s companies as technical consultants to oversee project implementation and develop efficient auxiliary systems.

The talks also examined potential cooperation with Ansaldo Nucleare in the management of radioactive waste, including the possible adoption of the company’s proprietary spent nuclear fuel management systems.

The Italian company expressed interest in providing consultancy for the development of Uzbekistan’s national regulatory and licensing framework, as well as in establishing joint research and experimental design initiatives aimed at advancing nuclear technologies and training specialists in the sector.

In May, Uzatom and Ansaldo Energia S.p.A. signed a memorandum of understanding on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Ansaldo Energia is one of Europe’s leading players in the energy sector, offering services in the design, production, and supply of power generation equipment – including gas and steam turbines and related generators – as well as installation supervision, commissioning, maintenance, repair, and modernization of power systems.

Through its subsidiary Ansaldo Nucleare S.p.A., the company covers all aspects of nuclear energy – from the design and construction of new NPPs to the safe decommissioning of retired plants and the management of radioactive waste.