Uzbekistan plans to construct a large nuclear power plant (NPP) in the future as part of its long-term energy strategy. However, before embarking on such a project, the country will first focus on building a small-capacity NPP in collaboration with Russia's Rosatom to train specialists for the industry, according to Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, during a recent podcast interview.
“Currently, our base generation comes from thermal power plants and hydroelectric power plants. Our goal is to eventually build a large nuclear power plant,” Mirzamakhmudov stated.
He emphasized that starting with smaller nuclear projects will help develop the expertise needed to operate larger reactors.
The minister highlighted the importance of nuclear energy for Uzbekistan’s future, particularly as the country strives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He noted that many developed nations, including the United States, South Korea, Japan, and those in Europe, are reactivating their nuclear energy programs to meet their carbon reduction goals.
“The whole world is moving in this direction,” Mirzamakhmudov said.
In 2018, Uzbekistan signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to cooperate in the construction of a nuclear power plant. The agreement, signed between Rosatom and the Uzbek government, involves the development of a 3+ generation NPP with two VVER-1200 reactor units. The site selected for this future plant is near Lake Tuzkan in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region.
#Russia to construct six 55MW mini #nuclear reactors in #Uzbekistan
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) May 28, 2024
These reactors collectively form a power production complex in Jizzakh, central-eastern Uzbekistan, with a total capacity of up to 330 megawatts, potentially establishing Central Asia’s first nuclear power… pic.twitter.com/BRrpDMGU2C
Progress has also been made in building a low-capacity NPP. In May, an export contract was signed in Tashkent for the construction of a small nuclear plant with a capacity of 330 MW, using six RITM-200N reactors. Rosatom will serve as the general contractor, and local Uzbek companies will be involved in the project. Recently, in early September, Uzbekistan's Uzatom and Rosatom’s engineering division, Atomstroyexport, signed a protocol to begin construction work on the site.
Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy initiatives are part of a broader effort to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, positioning the country for a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)