Uzbekistan Launches Construction of First Nuclear Power Plant with Russian Reactors

On March 24, 2026, Uzbekistan officially commenced the construction of its first nuclear power plant. The milestone was marked by ceremonies in Tashkent and at the construction site in the Farish district of the Jizzakh region, where strategic documents were signed and initial concrete pouring began.

The signing ceremony involved the Agency for Atomic Energy under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan (Uzatom) and Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom. The parties concluded a Roadmap for long-term cooperation in nuclear and related industries, as well as an Addendum to the contract for building an integrated nuclear station.

The Roadmap outlines key areas of collaboration, including personnel training, public education on modern nuclear technologies, infrastructure development for a future "atomic city," and comprehensive industry growth. This agreement underscores the strategic nature of bilateral cooperation.

Simultaneously, concrete work started at the plant site for a low-power unit featuring an RITM-200N reactor. This initial phase involves pouring approximately 900 cubic meters of concrete to prepare the reactor building's foundation. The next step will be laying the foundation slab.

An addendum to the main contract formalizes the station's updated configuration: two high-power units based on Generation 3+ VVER-1000 reactors and two low-power units with RITM-200N reactors (55 MW each). Upon reaching full capacity, the plant is expected to generate 15–17 billion kWh annually, covering over 15% of Uzbekistan's electricity needs.

Project officials confirmed that work is proceeding according to schedule and under strict oversight from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The president has emphasized three core principles: safety, use of modern technology, and full compliance with standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

A critical step was obtaining permission from Uzbekistan's Committee for Industrial, Radiation, and Nuclear Safety to use the site for two RITM-200N reactor units. Expert assessments confirmed the site's full compliance with national and international safety standards.

The project features a unique combined configuration designed to provide base load power from large units while using smaller units for flexible peak load coverage. The plant is designed with an operational lifespan of 60 years.

Key preparatory steps began earlier: amendments to an intergovernmental agreement with Russia were signed in May 2024; an agreement for constructing high-power VVER-1000 units followed in June 2025; ground excavation started in October 2025; and manufacturing of key equipment commenced in May 2025.

The initiative is viewed as foundational for Uzbekistan's technological sovereignty, national workforce development, and long-term socio-economic growth. Through partnership with Russia, Uzbekistan aims to master advanced nuclear technologies and build a sustainable energy future.