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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.
Uzbekistan and Italy are deepening their cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, according to a statement from the press service of the Uzatom Agency. A delegation led by Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev has just returned from a working visit to Genoa, Italy, where talks focused on advancing Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant project. The visit included meetings with representatives of the regional government, the Genoa Chamber of Commerce, leading universities, and major Italian energy firms. A key session was held with Ansaldo Energia and its nuclear subsidiary, Ansaldo Nucleare, one of Europe’s leading providers of power generation technologies. Discussions focused on integrating Italian technical solutions into Uzbekistan’s planned nuclear facility, with particular emphasis on adapting auxiliary systems to local climatic and geological conditions. The Italian side shared its experience in safety system design, nuclear software development, and fuel management, expertise gained through projects in China, Belgium, Slovenia, Hungary, and Ukraine. Both sides explored the potential role of Italian companies as technical consultants during construction, ensuring the project aligns with international safety standards. Cooperation in radioactive waste management and deployment of advanced Italian fuel-handling technologies was also discussed. Italy also expressed readiness to support Uzbekistan in developing a national regulatory framework for nuclear energy and licensing procedures. Further, the two parties considered launching joint research and engineering initiatives to train Uzbek nuclear specialists, part of a broader effort to build local capacity and ensure the safe, long-term operation of the country’s future nuclear infrastructure. The talks come as Uzbekistan diversifies its energy portfolio. Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov recently announced that Saudi-based Pemco will begin constructing a 200-megawatt gas-piston power plant in Samarkand. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan continues to expand its solar and wind capacity through ongoing projects with ACWA Power.
Uzbekistan plans to fully launch a high-capacity nuclear power plant by 2035, according to Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, director of the “Uzatom” agency. Speaking on September 25 at World Atomic Week in Moscow, Akhmedkhadjaev said the first small modular reactor is expected to begin operations in 2029 in the Jizzakh region, followed by a second unit six months later. The large-scale plant will see its first reactor come online in 2033, with full capacity expected by 2035. He noted, however, that final timelines depend on the conclusion of outstanding contract agreements. Akhmedkhadjaev confirmed that production of reactor equipment is already underway and that the project is proceeding on schedule. Responding to a question from a Spot correspondent, he reiterated the target dates for the larger reactors and emphasized that the timeline will be refined once contracts are finalized. The announcement aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader nuclear energy strategy. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the country plans to build both small modular and larger reactors at a single integrated nuclear facility. Under a revised agreement with Russia, Uzbekistan intends to construct two large VVER-1000 reactors alongside two smaller RITM-200N units. The initial framework for the project was established in 2018 and updated in 2024. Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that Rosatom had begun manufacturing reactor components for the smaller units, with the first steel castings for the RITM-200N already produced in Saint Petersburg. Uzbekistan’s pivot to nuclear energy is part of its strategy to meet rapidly increasing electricity demand, which is projected to reach 135 billion kWh by 2035, nearly double current consumption levels. To address this, the government is expanding generation capacity and modernizing the national grid. While the plans are ambitious, challenges remain. As Akhmedkhadjaev acknowledged, the full implementation timeline depends heavily on contract finalization. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan’s dual-track approach, combining scalable small reactors with large base-load units, suggests a strategic commitment to energy security and diversification.
