Uzbekistan officially begins construction of its first nuclear power plant

Uzbekistan has officially launched the construction of its first nuclear power plant, a project President Shavkat Mirziyoyev hailed as the dawn of a new era for the nation's technological, industrial, and scientific advancement. The integrated nuclear power plant, located in the Jizzakh region, will feature a unique configuration of four power units on a single site, including two with VVER-1000 reactors and two with smaller RITM-200N reactors.

Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly authorized the pouring of the first concrete for the initial energy block. Putin announced that Russia would provide Uzbekistan with a preferential export loan for the construction. Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom will handle fuel supply, plant maintenance, and spent nuclear material management.

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the implementation of the project launches the beginning of a new stage of technological, industrial and scientific development of Uzbekistan, lays the foundations for the development of a new industry – nuclear energy.

The project, with a base cost of $9.5 billion, aims to establish a new nuclear energy sector in Uzbekistan, integrating advanced small modular generation with large-scale base power. The first energy blocks are slated for operation between 2029 and 2035. This ambitious undertaking positions Uzbekistan to leverage nuclear technology for its energy needs and industrial growth.

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Rosatom takes on the obligations for the supply of reactor fuel, station maintenance, and the handling of spent nuclear material.