Nuclear Energy Project in Uzbekistan Enters Construction Phase

Uzbekistan has entered a new phase in its energy strategy as construction begins on the country’s first small-capacity nuclear power plant. The announcement was made during the INNOPROM. Central Asia industrial exhibition, held on April 28 in Tashkent, according to the presidential press service. The event, hosted at the Central Asian Expo Uzbekistan center, spans more than 18,000 square meters and has attracted over 10,000 delegates from Russia, neighboring Central Asian countries, China, India, and other nations. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev toured the exhibition pavilions and emphasized the importance of innovative business ideas and economic cooperation. He noted that the forum serves as a platform to advance new projects and strengthen long-term partnerships. Nuclear Power in Focus On the sidelines of the event, President Mirziyoyev met with a Russian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The sides reviewed progress on bilateral agreements made during Putin’s visit to Uzbekistan in May 2024 and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. A central topic of discussion was Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy project. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev confirmed that all legal formalities have been completed and that construction could officially begin within the year. “Not if, but when the leadership of Uzbekistan returns to the topic of a large nuclear power plant, we will already have proposals ready, not only on the design of future facilities but also on financing and local manufacturing,” Likhachev told TASS. “This project will be carried out through international cooperation, drawing on global best practices in electrical and mechanical engineering. However, the core nuclear technologies, the reactor island, will be Russian,” he added. Project Overview The plant is located in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region and will consist of six reactors, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts, for a total output of 330 MW. While Rosatom serves as the main contractor, local Uzbek companies are also involved in the construction process. Officials say the project is a strategic step toward Uzbekistan’s long-term energy security. Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, head of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, recently called nuclear energy the most viable alternative to imported fossil fuels. He noted that Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its national mix from 16% today to 54% by 2030. China is also playing a significant role in Uzbekistan's nuclear energy project. Shanghai Electric, a leading Chinese manufacturer, is being considered for providing turbine equipment for the non-nuclear island of the plant. Additionally, the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank) is in discussions to provide financial support. Energy analysts agree that a combined strategy of nuclear and renewable sources will allow Uzbekistan to meet rising domestic demand while reducing its environmental footprint.

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.