Russia and Uzbekistan Sign Roadmap for Integrated Nuclear Power Plant Construction

Russia and Uzbekistan have formalized their strategic partnership in the nuclear energy sector by signing a comprehensive roadmap. The document outlines joint efforts for the construction of an integrated nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region.

The agreement was signed by Azim Akhmedkhodjaev, Director of the Agency "Uzatom," and Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Russian state corporation Rosatom. The roadmap encompasses a wide range of collaborative areas, including personnel training, public education on modern nuclear technologies, and the development of a future "atomic" city adjacent to the power station.

A supplementary agreement to the contract defines the new integrated configuration of the plant. It will consist of two high-power units based on Generation 3+ VVER-1000 reactors and two units equipped with RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Once operational, the station is expected to generate approximately 17.2 billion kWh annually, meeting up to 14% of Uzbekistan's total electricity demand.

Concrete work has already commenced at the construction site in the Farish district. Approximately 900 cubic meters of concrete mix have been poured to prepare the foundation for a reactor building housing an RITM-200N unit. This initial phase focuses on leveling, waterproofing, and grounding. The next step will involve pouring the foundation slab.

Officials have confirmed that all necessary permits for placing two RITM-200N reactor units at the site have been secured in compliance with national regulations and international safety standards from bodies like the IAEA. This authorization paves the way for full-scale construction of this segment within the approved combined configuration.

Alexey Likhachev stated that signing these documents and starting concrete work positions Uzbekistan at the forefront of global nuclear energy development. He emphasized that this project will serve as a long-term driver for socio-economic growth and technological sovereignty in Uzbekistan while strengthening strategic bilateral ties.

Project leaders report that construction is proceeding according to schedule and "very dynamically." Work is under direct oversight from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has mandated strict adherence to three core principles: safety, use of modern technology, and full compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) norms.

The current concrete pouring phase began in March 2026 as planned. Officials anticipate starting construction on reactor buildings this summer. The project's integrated design was finalized in September 2025, resulting in a total installed capacity exceeding 2.1 GW—2 GW from large units and 110 MW from small modular reactors—marking a significant milestone for Uzbekistan's energy independence.