Uzbekistan Updates Licensing Rules for Nuclear Energy and Ionizing Radiation Sources

The Uzbek government recently approved new licensing procedures for nuclear energy utilization and activities involving ionizing radiation sources, establishing updated safety, radiation monitoring, personnel qualification, and technical requirements as the country advances its nuclear energy industry.

According to a resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on July 30, the regulations apply to licensing of nuclear energy utilization activities and matters related to the handling of ionizing radiation sources. The framework was developed pursuant to a presidential decree issued on January 9, 2024, with the aim of reducing mandatory requirements on enterprises and simplifying licensing and approval processes.

The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027. Existing license holders must re-obtain licenses under the new framework by December 1, 2027; licenses not reissued within this period will become invalid.

The regulations cover a broad scope, including the operation of nuclear power plants and nuclear research facilities, activities involving radioactive materials and nuclear materials, as well as the production, storage, transport, use, and disposal of ionizing radiation sources. Applicant organizations must meet mandatory requirements concerning nuclear safety, radiation safety, radiation monitoring, personnel qualifications, technical equipment, and other operational conditions.

The Uzbek government has instructed the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety under the Cabinet of Ministers, together with relevant ministries and agencies, to align existing regulatory documents with the new resolution.

The new licensing framework comes as Uzbekistan advances the construction of its first nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region. In early July, a delegation from the Uzatom Agency and the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate visited Moscow for consultations on the project. During the talks, Uzbekistan and Russia agreed to establish a joint working group to conduct expert reviews of documents related to the Jizzakh NPP.

As nuclear infrastructure development progresses, the new licensing procedures will provide a more unified regulatory basis for nuclear facilities, radioactive materials, and radiation-related activities.