Photo: atomic-energy.ru
The first concrete pour for Uzbekistan’s small nuclear power plant (SNPP) in the Jizzakh region is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, according to Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, director of the Uzbekistan Agency for Atomic Energy (Uzatom). He shared these details in an interview with Kirill Altman, host of the Alter Ego project.
According to Akhmedkhadjaev, construction is ahead of schedule, and foreign partners have shown flexibility in adjusting their timelines in favor of Uzbekistan, demonstrating their trust in the project. However, he did not specify which partners were involved.
The project will be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and all safety recommendations will be implemented. Additionally, Uzbekistan is aligning with global nuclear safety conventions and standards.
The small-scale nuclear plant is being developed in collaboration with Russia, following agreements signed in 2018.
“We had existing agreements with the Russian Federation at the time, and we continued with them. Moreover, extensive site survey work had already been carried out. Switching to a different technology now would mean starting over from scratch,” Akhmedkhadjaev explained.
While he declined to disclose the exact project cost, he noted that expenses are being optimized. However, the target budget should not exceed $2 billion.
Akhmedkhadjaev emphasized that Uzbekistan cannot do without nuclear energy, as it is critical for the country’s energy security.
By building nuclear plants, Uzbekistan aims to reduce its reliance on coal and natural gas imports, lowering electricity costs and achieving greater energy independence.
Despite Rosatom's involvement, Akhmedkhadjaev stressed that Uzbekistan will maintain full ownership and operational control of the plant.
🔹 The reactors will be Russian-made,
🔹 The automation system will use European technology,
🔹 The turbine equipment will be sourced from Europe or China.
Furthermore, Uzbekistan is exploring alternative technologies from other partners, including the United States and South Korea.
🔹 Uzbek specialists will be trained under American nuclear programs,
🔹 The country is considering small modular reactor (SMR) designs from the U.S. and South Korea,
🔹 Future projects may involve both Russian and Western technologies to diversify Uzbekistan’s nuclear sector.
The contract with Rosatom for the design, supply, and construction of the SNPP was signed on May 27, 2024, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Tashkent. The first SNPP will be built near Lake Tuzkan in the Farish district of Jizzakh. It will consist of six reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW, for a total capacity of 330 MW. The reactors will be co-located on a single site, complying with international safety standards. The first reactor is expected to be commissioned by 2029.
