The MPs of the Legislative Chamber at the session on August 19 passed in the first reading a bill aimed at improving the system of governmental management and oversight over the use of atomic energy.
The bill provides for amendments to the Use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes Law, which are aimed at the efficient and safe use of atomic energy, clarifying the powers of government bodies, improving the system of state management and control in the field of atomic energy, bringing it into line with international standards.
In particular, the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers has been assigned as the authorized body in charge of the relevant national policies. Currently, the area is regulated by the Ministry of Energy. The Agency will be in charge for developing and coordinating the sector’s industry programs, determining safety measures and ensuring international cooperation.
The Deputy Chief of the Directorate for the Construction of Nuclear Power Plants Otabek Amanov clarified at the meeting that the agency has been assigned 17 related directions, including reforming with an aim to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities, the creation of a radiation and nuclear safety system in accordance with international standards, the introduction of innovative technologies, and support for research and development work.
The Ministry of Energy will perform duties related to keeping records of nuclear energy sources and the share of nuclear energy in the balance of power generation and consumption.
He stressed the strategic importance of developing nuclear energy and pinpointed to the need to improve the legal framework. According to him, more than 30 countries use nuclear power plants. There are over 400 operating reactors, which provide about 10% of global electricity generation.
Amanov also noted that nuclear technologies are used not only in energy, but also in other areas. "Today they are effectively used in industry, nuclear medicine, sterilization of agricultural products, preservation of cultural heritage and other areas, which contribute to the sustainable development of the national economy," he added.
The relevant amendments on the development of projects for the use of nuclear technologies in the non-energy sector are planned to be introduced into Article 12 of the bill.
The MPs unanimously voted to adopt the bill in the first reading. Now it must be considered in the second and third readings before sending it to the Senate.
In June, it became known about plans to set up a Nuclear Medicine Center jointly with the Russian S. Berezina Medical Institute.
