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French Companies Eye Role in Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Plants

Uzbekistan is exploring collaboration with French firms in the construction of a small-capacity nuclear power plant (SCNPP) in the Jizzakh region, according to Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, Director of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, in an interview with Le Figaro. Akhmadkhodjaev noted that France could offer some of the most effective solutions and support for the project. Ongoing discussions involve several French companies: Assystem for technical support, Bureau Veritas for specialist training, and Framatome for technical management of the facility. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, emphasized that French companies view Uzbekistan not only as an investment opportunity but also as a technological partner. Talks have centered on training local personnel to meet the technical demands of the nuclear sector. Joanna Golas, president of the France-Uzbekistan Economic Chamber, underscored the importance of preparing skilled technical specialists for the project. Uzbekistan is also advancing its renewable energy agenda, aiming to raise the share of renewables in its energy mix from 16% to 54% by 2030. Cooperation with French companies could bolster the country's efforts to build a more sustainable and diversified energy system. Previously, Uzbekistan signed a protocol with Russia, appointing Rosatom as the main contractor for the SCNPP project in Jizzakh. The agreement includes the construction of six reactors with a combined capacity of 330 MW. A successful partnership with French firms would bring additional technological expertise to the table and complement the existing plan.

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Former Energy Minister to Lead Kazakhstan’s New Nuclear Energy Agency

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree establishing the Atomic Energy Agency, a new government body that will report directly to the head of state. The decision, announced on March 18, is part of broader efforts to improve the country’s public administration system. The new agency will oversee uranium mining, the use of atomic energy, radiation safety, and the management of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone. Previously, these responsibilities fell under the Ministry of Energy. Along with its functions, the agency will also inherit its first leader from the ministry: Almasadam Satkaliyev, who has been appointed as its head after being relieved of his role as energy minister. Satkaliyev has held key positions in Kazakhstan’s energy sector, including serving as vice president for economics at KazTransOil, head of the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Management Company (KEGOC), and chairman of Samruk-Energo. Since 2023, he has led the Ministry of Energy, where he played a central role in preparing for a national referendum on nuclear power plant construction and negotiating with potential suppliers from Russia, China, South Korea, and France. As head of the new agency, Satkaliyev is expected to work closely with the presidential administration on drafting regulations and structuring the agency’s operations. His successor at the Ministry of Energy is Yerlan Akkenzhenov, who previously served as deputy energy minister and has experience within the national oil company KazMunayGas. Tokayev first announced plans to establish the Atomic Energy Agency just days ago during a meeting of the National Kurultai (Assembly), as reported previously by The Times of Central Asia.

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Kazakhstan to Establish Nuclear Energy Agency

Kazakhstan will create a Nuclear Energy Agency, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during a session of the National Kurultai (annual assembly). "Given the special significance of this issue, I have decided to establish the Agency for Nuclear Energy under the President. We must maximize the potential of gas and coal-fired generation, as well as renewable energy sources," Tokayev said. Tokayev emphasized the need for a comprehensive, long-term approach to energy sector development. "By approving the construction of the first nuclear power plant in a referendum, citizens have given the green light to this initiative. However, it is crucial not only to meet current energy demands but also to lay the foundation for future economic growth. That is why I believe it is necessary to construct not one, but three nuclear power plants to establish a full-fledged nuclear cluster," he said. Kazakhstan held a referendum on October 6, 2024, regarding the construction of its first nuclear power plant. According to the Central Election Commission, 63.66% of eligible voters participated, with 71.12% (5.56 million people) supporting the project. In January 2025, the government finalized a shortlist of potential technology suppliers for the plant. The candidates include Russia's Rosatom, South Korea's KHNP, China's CNNC, and France's EDF. Simultaneously, authorities are completing an analysis of possible locations for the second and third nuclear power plants. The final construction plan is expected to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2025, with the city of Kurchatov among the potential sites under consideration.

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Kazakhstan Finalizes Sites for Second and Third Nuclear Power Plants

Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has identified the regions of Balkhash, Kurchatov, and Mangistau as potential sites for the country’s second and third nuclear power plants, Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev has announced. The first plant is set to be built in Almaty region. New Construction Sites Initially, Kazakhstan planned to build a single nuclear power plant by 2035 to address potential energy shortages. However, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev later instructed the government to explore the construction of at least two additional plants. Following an Energy Ministry board meeting on Wednesday, Satkaliyev told reporters that three locations are under consideration for the second and third nuclear plants: Balkhash - a city in southeastern Kazakhstan. Kurchatov - a city in the Abai region that previously served the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site during the Soviet era. Aktau - the regional center of Mangistau, where an experimental nuclear reactor operated during the Soviet era. “We plan to build at least three nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan in the medium term. The government has identified promising sites for the second and third plants based on regional development needs, electricity demand, and diversification of the national power grid. The Balkhash site is highly promising, with the capacity for up to four 1,200 MW units. Kurchatov is suitable for two 1,200 MW units. The Mangistau site also offers significant advantages, including the potential for a medium-capacity plant,” Satkaliyev stated. Timeline and Contractors for the First Plant The government has approved the Zhambyl district of Almaty region, near the village of Ulken, as the site for the first nuclear power plant. However, the final decision will depend on engineering surveys in the region. Four companies are in contention to construct Kazakhstan’s first nuclear plant: Rosatom (Russia) KHNP (South Korea) CNNC (China) EDF (France) “In the first half of 2025, we plan to announce the configuration for the first nuclear power plant,” Satkaliyev said. The Energy Ministry has sent a list of 207 questions covering 19 key aspects of construction and operation to all four bidders. Responses were received last week and are now under review by an interdepartmental commission. “It is too early to determine a frontrunner. The final decision on the contractor will be made after a thorough review, possibly even earlier than expected,” Satkaliyev noted. A referendum held on October 6, 2024, showed that 71.12% of voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant in Almaty region.

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Washington Signals Interest in Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Sector

The United States has expressed interest in cooperating with Uzbekistan on civil nuclear energy investments, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated following a February 21 phone call between Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Secretary Rubio spoke with Foreign Minister Saidov to reaffirm U.S. support for Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They discussed ongoing cooperation through the C5+1 platform to promote stability and economic growth in Central Asia. Secretary Rubio also thanked Uzbekistan for its efforts in controlling illegal migration and counterterrorism cooperation. The U.S. looks forward to exploring investment opportunities in critical minerals and civil nuclear energy technologies,” the statement read. U.S. Expands Nuclear Energy Engagement in Central Asia The United States has previously shown interest in participating in nuclear energy projects in Central Asia, including the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan. During an October 2024 visit to Almaty, Khush Choksi, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, emphasized America’s readiness to take part in Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy sector. “The U.S. has the best technologies for nuclear power plants, and we hope there will be an open tender allowing American companies to participate,” Choksi told reporters. Strategic Energy Cooperation Washington’s interest in nuclear energy partnerships with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reflects its broader strategy to expand energy cooperation in Central Asia. The region’s growing demand for energy security, technological development, and investment in clean energy solutions aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen economic ties and counterbalance the influence of other global energy players.

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Uzbekistan Seeks International Collaboration for Nuclear Energy Project

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on February 10 to review progress in Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy sector and outline future goals. Officials reported that 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity will be added over the next five years, generating 64 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy annually. By 2030, the country aims to increase the share of renewable energy to more than 50% of total electricity production. Azim Ahmadkhodjayev, director of Uzatom, discussed the sector’s prospects in an interview with Uzbekiston 24 TV following the meeting. He noted that by 2040, the share of nuclear energy in global electricity production could rise from 9% to 25%. He also recalled that Uzbekistan signed an agreement last year with Rosatom to build a 330 MW small-scale nuclear power plant in Jizzakh. “Our president emphasized that this project should have an international character, with the involvement of various international organizations,” he said. In addition to Russian technologies, the project will integrate Chinese non-nuclear technologies and European software and hardware. “To implement this project, we will create an international consortium using the most advanced technologies,” Ahmadkhodjayev added. To reduce water consumption, the project may incorporate dry coolers from Hungarian or Chinese manufacturers. Uzatom has also developed a cooperation program with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to train specialists and ensure safety in nuclear energy projects. Ahmadkhodjayev noted that the president has instructed officials to explore alternative approaches for similar projects in the future.