Uzbekistan Plans $1 Billion for First Two Small Nuclear Reactors

Uzbekistan is planning to invest nearly $1 billion in the construction of its first two small reactors as part of an integrated nuclear power plant, according to officials speaking at a major industrial exhibition in Tashkent. The estimate was announced by the Deputy Chairman of the country's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sukhrob Abdurakhmonov, during the “Innoprom. Central Asia” exhibition, held from April 20 to 22. The event was organized by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade together with Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, local media outlet Gazeta.uz reported. Abdurakhmonov said the first phase of the project involves the construction of two small reactors, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts. “Even at the initial stage, the project, valued at approximately $1 billion, will require a large volume of high-quality products,” he said during a panel session. He noted that the scale of the project is expected to push local industries toward higher standards, from electrical equipment manufacturing to construction materials. “We see this as a strong incentive for the modernization of production,” he added. The nuclear plant is planned for the Jizzakh region, where officials expect the development of a broader economic cluster. According to Abdurakhmonov, the project could stimulate growth in related sectors such as services, transport, logistics, and social infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. The announcement follows agreements signed in March between Uzatom and Rosatom on cooperation and further steps in the nuclear power project. Speaking earlier to reporters, Alexey Likhachev said the initiative could also generate significant economic benefits for Russia. He estimated that even a small reactor project in Uzbekistan could bring orders worth up to $22 billion for Russian companies and create around 1,000 jobs.

Russia Launches Production of Reactor Equipment for Uzbek Nuclear Project

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has begun manufacturing reactor equipment for Uzbekistan’s first small nuclear power plant, marking a significant step in bilateral energy cooperation. The announcement was made during Energy Week in Tashkent, which runs from May 13 to 15, according to TASS. Rosatom’s facility in Saint Petersburg has completed the first steel casting for the RITM-200N reactor unit, weighing 205 tons. The company noted that this casting marks the initial phase of reactor assembly. Project Overview The nuclear power plant will be built in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region under a contract signed on May 27, 2024. It will comprise six small modular reactors (SMRs), each with a capacity of 55 megawatts, for a combined output of 330 megawatts. Atomstroyexport, a Rosatom subsidiary, is the main contractor, with participation from several Uzbek construction firms. The RITM-200N reactor is derived from Russia’s naval reactor technology and has been adapted for stationary, land-based use. Rosatom describes it as compact and efficient, with a design that enables accelerated construction timelines, qualities seen as key to addressing modern energy challenges. Strategic Importance Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev confirmed that all legal and contractual matters between Russia and Uzbekistan have been finalized. He added that construction could begin within a year, or potentially even sooner. Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, head of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized the strategic significance of nuclear energy in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. He also outlined national plans to increase the share of renewable energy in Uzbekistan’s energy mix from 16% to 54% by 2030. Energy analysts say that combining nuclear and renewable sources will help Uzbekistan meet its growing electricity needs while mitigating environmental impact.