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Uzbek and Russian Leaders Launch Construction of First Nuclear Power Unit in Uzbekistan
🇹🇯 Tajikistan /Energy & Infrastructure

Uzbek and Russian Leaders Launch Construction of First Nuclear Power Unit in Uzbekistan

From Asia-Plus · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Uzbekistan and Russia have launched the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant.
  • Russia's Rosatom will build two large reactors and two smaller units, providing financing and support throughout the plant's lifecycle.
  • The project, adhering to IAEA standards, aims to significantly boost Uzbekistan's energy supply and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly inaugurated the construction of Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant, a significant step in the nation's energy strategy. The ceremony, attended virtually by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, marked the symbolic pouring of the first concrete, signifying the facility's compliance with international standards.

This unique configuration, chosen by the President of Uzbekistan, has no equivalent in the world and will ensure maximum efficiency of the nuclear power plant.

— Vladimir PutinRussian President Vladimir Putin describing the planned nuclear power plant's design.

Russia, through its state nuclear corporation Rosatom, will finance and construct the plant. The facility will feature two Generation III+ reactors, each with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, and two smaller 55-megawatt units. President Putin highlighted this unique configuration's efficiency, noting it has no global equivalent. Russia's commitment extends to the entire plant lifecycle, including fuel supply, maintenance, waste management, and personnel training.

Once operational, the plant is projected to generate approximately 17 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, potentially meeting up to 15% of Uzbekistan's electricity needs. An estimated 15,000 individuals are expected to be employed during the construction phase.

Uzbekistan ranks among the world’s leading countries in uranium reserves and production.

— Shavkat MirziyoyevUzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighting the country's natural resources relevant to nuclear energy.

Both leaders underscored the project's adherence to stringent international safety and environmental standards under IAEA supervision. President Mirziyoyev emphasized safety as the paramount priority, while also noting Uzbekistan's significant uranium reserves. He described the nuclear power plant as a strategic, long-term project designed for at least 60 years of operation, further solidifying energy cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia. IAEA's Grossi confirmed that both Uzatom and Rosatom are meeting international safety and non-proliferation requirements.

Both Uzbekistan’s nuclear agency Uzatom and Rosatom are meeting international safety and non-proliferation requirements.

— Rafael GrossiIAEA Director General Rafael Grossi commenting on the safety and compliance of the project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asia-Plus in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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