Twenty to thirty years ago, the entire world, especially Europe, was shutting down their nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, the production of nuclear energy has resurfaced on the agenda with Germany, for example, reopening NPPs it previously shut down. So, what is driving this renewed need?

There have been only two Level-7 accidents at nuclear power plants since nuclear power production was launched: one at Chernobyl and the other at Fukushima. It was precisely after these two disasters that the world demanded a new perspective on NPPs and the production of nuclear energy.

Adil Garibov, a full member of ANAS and advisor on technology talked extensively on the topic in his interview to AzVision.az. He recalled that following the Fukushima disaster, four major summits on the issue were held at the initiative of U.S. President Barack Obama.

Although not a nuclear state, Azerbaijan was invited to three of these summits. The participating states at the time agreed that the safety of nuclear energy is the number one priority.

Academician Adil Garibov stated that the main problem at the Fukushima NPP was the absence of a passive cooling system. As a result, when the generator failed, the cooling system stopped working, which led to an explosion in the reactor. To prevent such incidents, a decision was made to develop new types of reactors. These are designed to have passive cooling systems, meaning that the system activates automatically as soon as the reactor shuts down. Such reactors are referred to as Generation III+ and Generation IV reactors.

Following the Fourth Washington Summit, the world’s leading countries began to diligently pursue the filed, with Russia building the first Gen III+ nuclear reactors. Such reactors are equipped with passive protection systems and contain active zones. In the event of an accident, the reactors are isolated in special chambers located below ground level, where they are securely contained. At these nuclear power plants, enriching nuclear fuel beyond 3–5 percent is banned. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has developed unified regulatory documents in this regard.

There is a widespread notion in the world that nuclear energy should be phased out and replaced with safer systems such as wind and solar power. Back in 2020, Europe adopted the ‘20% + 20% + 20%’ formula, which envisaged reducing the share of nuclear and conventional energy sources as well as lowering atmospheric emissions. However, this target has still not been achieved, and no country has been able to ensure that renewable energy reaches the 20 percent level.

In this context, the world, especially during the winter months, came to realize that it was facing energy shortages and significant energy security challenges. Coal production, considered the most environmentally harmful energy source, has increased by 30 percent in Europe in recent years. As a result, after much deliberation, nuclear power was seen as the only viable solution, marking the beginning of a new phase in this sector. On the other hand, hydrocarbon energy resources are not available in all countries, and this field is also shaped by political maneuvering. Against this backdrop, a decision adopted at an IAEA conference three years ago marked the start of a new stage in the development of nuclear energy. This phase envisages nuclear power generation strictly under conditions that include the use of Gen III+ and Gen IV reactors equipped solely with passive safety systems, the construction of small modular nuclear power plants, and strengthened oversight of nuclear facilities.

- What is the essence of modular NPPs? How realistic is the production or procurement of nuclear energy in Azerbaijan, as well as the construction of modular NPPs?

‘Modular reactors are small, low-capacity reactors. The entire active zone of such reactors (including all their components) is manufactured under factory conditions, which virtually eliminates the possibility of defects. These reactors are tested at the factory and then installed inside a building specifically designed to fit the reactor vessel. The operating country has no direct access to the reactor itself; in other words, it is not possible to carry out repairs or remove the reactor at will.

These types of reactors are divided into two categories: low-temperature and high-temperature reactors. Low-temperature reactors are used to supply energy in small areas and remote regions. While high-temperature reactors are mainly employed to meet the energy needs of technological processes, for example in the metallurgical industry. The thermal energy produced by such reactors can reach temperatures of 1,000-1,200 degrees. At the same time, these reactors can also be used in petrochemical industry.

There is strong global demand for modular nuclear reactors. Although they are not a new development, they were not economically viable in the past. As reactor capacity increases, their economic efficiency also improves. For this reason, most reactors built in recent years have capacities of around 1,000-1,200 megawatts. Nevertheless, modular reactors have a very wide range of applications. Several key objectives were pursued in their development: first, the production of hydrogen through water splitting; second, water purification; and third, the provision of energy for technological processes.’

- What steps have historically been taken in Azerbaijan, and what is currently planned? What potential does the country have in this field?

‘The plan to build an NPP in Azerbaijan is historically associated with the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. In 1982, the USSR Council of Ministers decided to construct an NPP in Navoi, consisting of four units, each with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. They even excavated the foundation and started to build a small town nearby. However, following the Chernobyl disaster, Mikhail Gorbachev halted its construction.

The second engagement with the field coincides with the period of independence. After returning from the Washington Summit, President Ilham Aliyev raised the topic of nuclear energy and technology in Azerbaijan before the leadership of several ministries and the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). By the decree of the head of state, the National Centre for Nuclear Problems was established in Azerbaijan, and I led this institution for eight years.

One of our main tasks was to establish a system for the use of nuclear energy in Azerbaijan. The Centre is operational and has developed human resource potential. We even held meetings with Russia’s Rosatom regarding the types of reactors to be constructed. Together with Azerenergy and the Ministry of Energy, we had also developed an initial version of the feasibility study. However, due to certain political considerations, the project was halted.

However, Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan signed a memorandum of intent with the Director General of the IAEA within the COP29. One of the provisions of this protocol foresees conducting research and preparatory work for the development of nuclear energy in Azerbaijan. This issue is currently on the agenda.

NPPs require significant capital and scientific capacity, and there are global security concerns. Their construction can take at least ten years. From this perspective, modular nuclear power plants are the most promising and currently relevant option. When deciding on their construction, political motivations must also be considered. Otherwise, the development of such a reactor could remain an unrealized burden for the country.’

- Some reports say, Kazakhstan, on the other side of the Caspian, is hard at work in the field and there is even talk that such a reactor has already been commissioned.

‘Kazakhstan does have nuclear reactors, but a full-scale NPP has not yet been built. The first Soviet atomic bomb was tested at the Semipalatinsk site in Kazakhstan. The country has a strong tradition and favorable conditions for training specialists in reactors and nuclear technology.

Kazakhstan also has two options. Its territory is vast, with settlements scattered across the land. High-capacity reactors are only needed in Karaganda and other zones with large-scale technological processes. More remote areas require modular NPPs.

During the Soviet era, Aktau (former Shevchenko) hosted 350-megawatt reactors operating with fast neutrons, the first of their kind in the world. Until then, all reactors were classified as thermal reactors, as the neutrons in them were much slower. The Aktau facility both purified water and produced plutonium-239 from uranium-238, which could be used as nuclear fuel to produce nuclear weapons. After the dissolution of the USSR, Kazakhstan renounced its nuclear state status, leaving these reactors abandoned.

Incidentally, Uzbekistan currently has a 49-megawatt modular reactor, a project implemented jointly with Russia. Similar reactors are used in Russian icebreaker ships. Placed near a single village, these reactors can supply energy to an entire district. A single refueling is sufficient to keep them operational for 18 months.’

- Scientists consider seawater desalination to be the most cost-effective use of nuclear energy. What prospects exist for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in this area? And what potential does our country have in this field?

‘One of the world’s most pressing concerns today is water splitting and addressing the shortage of drinking water. Water purification requires substantial amounts of energy. Therefore, when selecting an NPP, the reactor’s capacity must be matched to the level of demand.

Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran are also facing drinking water shortages. All Caspian littoral countries are in need of potable water. Against this backdrop, I do not believe that we could jointly build a modular NPP with another country. I think our country should have its own standalone project, and it would not be an overly expensive one. The cost of such modular plants does not exceed 1.5-1.8 billion US dollars.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel. If we simply inform the manufacturer of the required capacity of a modular NPP, they can offer suitable options. I strongly believe it is time to start work. According to all calculations, Azerbaijan will face no problems with energy supply or energy security over the next 70-100 years. As for Azerbaijan’s green energy policy, it should serve as an example for countries around the world. In this context, from the perspective of clean energy, I consider it necessary that our country uses nuclear power.’

- Could Azerbaijan reach an agreement with the IAEA or with another country to ensure the rapid construction of a modular NPP aimed at addressing the desalination of Caspian Sea water? In other words, as you suggested, could this be resolved in a much shorter timeframe rather than taking at least ten years?

‘When Belarus was building its nuclear power plant, the IAEA initially set a requirement of at least seven to eight years of preparatory work. However, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that Russia’s Rosatom would construct the plant in the country within no more than five years and that he was ready to sign any documents required. As promised, the first unit was commissioned within the stated timeframe.

Firstly, the customer and the contractor countries must raise this issue before the IAEA. The contractor assumes responsibility for all aspects necessary for construction, as well as for supervising operation for a certain period and providing personnel. Under these conditions, the IAEA grants its approval.

Another factor that facilitates this process is our intention to build a modular NPP. A modular facility can be manufactured in the contractor country within a year and a half, while we can construct its housing domestically. I believe it is feasible to construct a modular NPP to purify water within five years at most. Of course, negotiations must be conducted, and a political decision must be taken. First and foremost, there should be a presidential decree requesting that, in light of the current situation, the process be expedited.

The IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is of such positive opinion about Azerbaijan that any appeal by the President of Azerbaijan would find a solution. Therefore, there is no reason for concern in this regard. At present, our primary task is to address the drinking water problem.’

I am confident that even if this has not been disclosed to the public, negotiations are already underway with relevant institutions and countries on this matter. The country’s leadership is fully aware of this problem as well.

‘My students are already participating in international IAEA conferences. After returning from the conference held in September, they told me that there were discussions suggesting that Azerbaijan had supposedly already begun building a nuclear power plant. Such a perception already exists among participants.

Because our President has never gone back on his word; he has always followed through. He said we would go to Karabakh, that we would take Shusha – and all of that was delivered. He stated that we would make use of nuclear energy, and I very much hope that this, too, will become a reality.

Building an NPP is not only about ensuring energy security or addressing the drinking water issue; it is also about introducing a high level of advanced technology to Azerbaijan. This means the diversified development of nuclear research, specialists and all sciences. For example, the treatment of oncological diseases is carried out exclusively through the use of nuclear energy, atomic technology, and their isotopes.

Sahil Isgandarov

More about: