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Nuclear Power Plant

Uzbekistan Nuclear Project Could Bring Russia Orders Worth $22 Billion

Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, based on small modular reactor (SMR) technology, has entered a new phase, with initial construction, including concrete works, beginning at the site in the Farish district of the Jizzakh region on March 24. The project is part of Uzbekistan’s long-running plan to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on gas-fired power generation. The milestone was marked by parallel ceremonies held in Tashkent and at the construction site. During the events, Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy agency Uzatom and Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom signed several key documents, formally advancing the project to the implementation stage. These included a cooperation roadmap covering nuclear and related sectors, as well as an addendum to the contract for building an integrated nuclear power facility in Uzbekistan. The documents were signed by Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. Speaking to reporters, Likhachev said the project could also have significant economic benefits for Russia. According to the Russian news agency TASS, he stated that construction of even a small reactor unit at the Uzbek site could generate orders worth up to $22 billion for Russian companies. He added that the project could create around 1,000 jobs in Russia. Likhachev also outlined broader potential economic returns, saying that for every ruble invested during construction, up to 1.5 rubles could be returned to the Russian economy, rising to as much as two rubles during the plant’s operational phase.

Nuclear Power Plant

Uzbekistan Launches First Concrete Works at Planned Nuclear Power Plant

Construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant has entered a new phase, with initial concrete works officially launched at the project site in the Farish district of the Jizzakh Region, according to the country’s Atomic Energy Agency, Uzatom. The milestone was marked on March 24 during simultaneous ceremonies held in Tashkent and at the construction site. During the events, Uzatom and Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom signed a number of strategic documents, formally advancing the project to the stage of practical implementation. Among the agreements were a cooperation roadmap covering nuclear and related sectors, as well as an addendum to the contract for the construction of an integrated nuclear power facility in Uzbekistan. The documents were signed by Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. According to Uzatom, the roadmap outlines cooperation in areas such as project implementation phases, workforce training, public engagement on nuclear energy, and the development of infrastructure for a future town for plant personnel. Uzbek officials said the agreement establishes a comprehensive partnership expected to contribute to both economic and social development. At the construction site, work has begun on laying the concrete foundation beneath the reactor building for a small modular unit using the RITM-200N design. Approximately 900 cubic meters of concrete are scheduled to be poured, with this stage expected to be completed by April 2026. The foundation will incorporate the waterproofing and grounding systems required for the reactor structure. The updated configuration of the plant involves two large power units equipped with Generation III+ VVER-1000 reactors, as well as two smaller units using RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate around 15.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, more than 15% of Uzbekistan’s current power consumption. Uzatom stated that regulatory approval for use of the site has already been granted following safety assessments that identified no significant risks related to seismic activity, tectonic faults, or karst formations. The agency said the location meets nuclear, environmental, and technical safety requirements. “The start of concrete works marks an important step in implementing Uzbekistan’s national nuclear energy program,” Akhmedkhadjaev said, adding that the project is proceeding in line with established timelines and safety standards. Separately, Uzatom confirmed that a mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to visit Uzbekistan in the second half of 2026 to assess progress on the project.

Nuclear Power Plant

IAEA to Review Uzbekistan Nuclear Power Project in 2026

A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to visit Uzbekistan in the second half of 2026 to assess progress on the country’s nuclear power plant project, according to Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom). Preparations for the visit were discussed during a meeting between Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Uzbek officials said the talks focused on expanding cooperation in nuclear energy and reviewing progress under a joint roadmap aimed at deepening collaboration. According to Uzatom, Grossi noted Uzbekistan’s efforts to develop nuclear energy in line with international standards and IAEA recommendations. He also referred to reforms carried out under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that, in his view, have helped create the institutional conditions necessary for implementing the nuclear program. The planned follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission is expected to evaluate preparations for the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant. The facility is planned to be built in the Farish district of Jizzakh Region. Uzbek officials said IAEA specialists will assess progress on key aspects of the project during the visit. Grossi reportedly described the mission as an important stage in the implementation of Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy plans. Discussions also addressed the next practical phase of the project, including the start of initial construction works at the site. According to Uzatom, the planned nuclear power complex is expected to combine both large and small reactor units. At the conclusion of the meeting, Grossi confirmed the IAEA’s readiness to continue supporting Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy program and accepted an invitation to attend events marking the launch of construction. The sides also discussed increasing the number of Uzbek specialists working in the IAEA Secretariat, which officials say could strengthen national expertise in the nuclear sector and expand participation in international projects. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Belarus has expressed readiness to assist Uzbekistan in developing nuclear power capacity and training specialists, offering to share experience gained through cooperation with Russia.

Nuclear power

Lukashenko Says Belarus Ready to Help Uzbekistan Build Nuclear Power Plant

Belarus is ready to assist Uzbekistan in building a nuclear power plant and training specialists for the country’s emerging nuclear energy sector, President Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Belarus, Rakhmatulla Nazarov. According to the Belarusian president’s press service, the discussion took place on March 9 in Minsk and covered a wide range of issues ahead of a planned visit by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Belarus. Lukashenko said relations between the two countries were developing steadily and that the upcoming visit could mark an important stage in expanding bilateral cooperation. “My very good friend Shavkat Miromonovich [Mirziyoyev] and I have much to discuss,” Lukashenko said at the beginning of the meeting. “By the time of his visit, we will update our agenda and develop plans for the near and medium term.” The Belarusian leader noted that both countries are working toward increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion in the coming years. He said such a target was realistic because the two economies complement rather than compete with each other. “Everything we know how to produce, from agriculture to machine building, is needed by the densely populated Uzbek state,” Lukashenko said, according to Belarusian media. Among the areas of potential cooperation, Lukashenko highlighted agriculture, industrial production, and nuclear energy. He said Belarus was prepared to share technologies, provide training, and support joint projects. “We know about your interest in our specialists in building a nuclear power plant,” Lukashenko said during the meeting. “We acquired these competencies thanks to cooperation with Russia. If it suits you, come at any time. Your representatives can meet with our specialists, and we will facilitate the construction of your nuclear power station.” Belarus has gained experience in nuclear energy through its cooperation with Russia on the Astravets nuclear power plant, which began operating in recent years. Lukashenko said Belarusian specialists currently work with Russian partners on nuclear projects in several countries. He emphasized that cooperation in nuclear energy and other sectors would be mutually beneficial, noting the size of Uzbekistan’s market and its rapidly growing economy. Lukashenko also praised Uzbekistan’s recent development efforts. “We see how Uzbekistan is drawing experience and expertise from around the world,” he said, adding that Belarus is ready to contribute to training specialists and developing technology in different sectors. The Belarusian president also said his country remains open to Uzbek workers seeking employment in Belarus, noting that migrant workers are offered access to education and social services on equal terms with local residents. In August last year, officials from Uzbekistan’s Uzatom Atomic Energy Agency met with Belarusian Energy Minister Denis Moroz in Minsk to discuss potential collaboration in nuclear infrastructure development, specialist training, and radioactive waste management. During those talks, Belarus expressed readiness to share its experience as Uzbekistan develops its national nuclear energy program.

Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan Has Selected a Site for Its Second Nuclear Power Plant

The Kazakh government has approved the location for its second nuclear power plant. According to an official decree, the facility will be constructed in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region, adjacent to the site selected for the country's first nuclear plant. The Ministry of Justice published Government Resolution No. 40, dated January 26, 2026, titled On the Construction and Construction Site of the Nuclear Facility “Second Nuclear Power Plant”, in the Adilet system of regulatory legal acts. The resolution came into effect on the day of its signing. Nuclear projects typically proceed through feasibility studies, environmental review, and financing arrangements, and timelines can shift as plans move from preliminary approval to full construction. Earlier reports indicated that contracts for the construction of Kazakhstan’s second and third nuclear plants were awarded to China’s CNNC, with the first plant being developed by the Russian state corporation Rosatom. Its site is located in the village of Ulken, also in Zhambyl district, on the shore of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 km northwest of Almaty. Thus, Kazakhstan’s first two nuclear power facilities will be concentrated in the country’s southern region. The design capacity of the first plant is 2.4 GW, comprising two VVER-1200 reactors, each with a capacity of 1.2 GW. Rosatom has already begun preparatory work on the site. The foundation is scheduled to be poured in 2029, with commissioning planned for 2035. Previously, Kurchatov in the Abai region, near the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, was considered as a possible location for one of the three planned plants. This site was reviewed with International Atomic Energy Agency participation. However, the current government decision confirms a focus on the Almaty region. The Kazakh authorities view nuclear energy as a strategic solution to the country’s growing electricity shortage. At the same time, in January, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov stated that Kazakhstan would be able to fully meet domestic energy demand by the end of the first quarter of 2027, without nuclear power, and by 2029, the country is expected to reach a surplus and begin electricity exports.

Nuclear power

Uzbekistan Clarifies Nuclear Plant Timeline After Reports of Delay

Uzbekistan’s plans to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant have come under renewed scrutiny following the publication of a draft state program suggesting the start of work could be postponed until December 2026. The draft made public on the regulation.adliya.uz portal prompted widespread media speculation. According to the document, Uzbekistan intends to spend 2026 negotiating, signing, and registering an additional agreement with Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom. The proposed agreement would revise the configuration of the integrated nuclear power plant project, combining a large-capacity VVER-1000 reactor with small modular RITM-200N reactors. Some outlets interpreted this language as a sign that the pouring of the first concrete might not occur until the end of 2026. In response, the Uzatom nuclear energy agency issued an official clarification, stating that previously announced timelines remain unchanged. In a statement released after the draft’s publication, Uzatom stressed that the document does not stipulate any postponement of construction. The agency noted that the December 2026 date reflects a conservative planning scenario in which all preparatory and licensing procedures are finalized by that time. Uzatom emphasized its adherence to national legislation and international standards on nuclear and radiation safety. It added that the first concrete pouring, considered a key milestone, will only proceed after receiving all necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities. “We clearly understand the level of responsibility involved in this stage,” the agency said, adding that work on the project is advancing across all areas. The clarification comes amid sustained public interest in Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy plans. Speaking at World Atomic Week in Moscow in September last year, Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev stated that Uzbekistan aims to fully commission a high-capacity nuclear power plant by 2035. According to him, the first small modular reactor in the Jizzakh region is expected to begin operations in 2029, with a second unit following six months later. The first reactor of the large-scale facility is scheduled to come online in 2033, with full capacity reached by 2035, though Akhmedkhadjaev noted that final timelines are contingent on the completion of contractual agreements. Uzatom said it will continue to provide timely updates as the project progresses through its key phases.