President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Paris on March 11-13, with energy cooperation dominating discussions, according to Le Figaro. As Uzbekistan seeks to diversify its energy mix and France looks for new uranium sources amid geopolitical shifts, the two nations are exploring deeper collaboration in nuclear energy, renewables, and gas-fired power projects.
With an annual economic growth rate of 6% and a rapidly expanding population of 35.65mn, Uzbekistan is undergoing a transformation in its energy sector. The country is undergoing a major shift away from its traditional reliance on natural gas, which previously accounted for 85% of its energy supply. While gas remains a key part of the transition, the government aims to increase the share of renewables to 54% by 2030.
France’s Growing Interest in Uzbekistan’s Energy
Discussions on March 12 -13 will center around energy collaboration, with France eager to leverage its expertise in Uzbekistan’s energy transition. French companies such as EDF, TotalEnergies, and Voltalia have already made significant inroads in the country’s energy sector. EDF is leading the construction of two 1,600 MW combined-cycle gas power plants, while TotalEnergies and Voltalia are expanding Uzbekistan’s solar power capacity.
"What is important for us in relations with France is that it has a complete energy balance and knows how to manage it," said Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov in an interview with Le Figaro. Joanna Golas, Chairperson of the France-Uzbekistan Economic Chamber, echoed this sentiment, stating that "France has several excellent opportunities to provide experience and know-how in all production processes for all types of energy."
As part of its energy transition, Uzbekistan is implementing advanced gas technologies to improve efficiency. France’s EDF is leading two major projects to build combined-cycle gas-fired power plants with a total capacity of 3,200 megawatts, equivalent to the output of France’s Flamanville nuclear reactor. The projects, backed by a €1bn investment, position EDF as the largest French investor in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy from 16% to 54% by 2030, with strong competition from Saudi, Chinese, and Emirati companies. French firms are making inroads, with TotalEnergies developing the 131 MW Tutly solar PV plant in Samarkand and Voltalia constructing the 100 MW Sarimay Solar plant in Khorezm, set to be operational by late 2025.
Beyond renewables, Uzbekistan is also advancing its nuclear energy plans. The government has set its sights on building a nuclear power plant by 2035, with France emerging as a potential partner. While Russia has positioned itself as the key operator, Uzbekistan is looking to diversify partnerships for political, financial, and technological reasons.
"For this project, France is certainly the country that can provide us with the best solutions and support," said Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, director of UzAtom, the country’s nuclear energy agency.
Uzbekistan is in talks with French firms such as Assystem for technical consulting, Bureau Veritas for training, and Framatome for nuclear power plant management solutions.
Uzbekistan’s Uranium Market
Uzbekistan ranks as the world's fifth-largest uranium producer, accounting for 7% of global production in 2022, with 2% of the world’s recoverable reserves. The country is targeting 7,000 tons of annual production by 2030, up from 4,000 tons in 2023.
In 2019, France’s Orano and Uzbekistan’s state-owned Navoiyuran established Nurlikum Mining, a joint venture (51% Orano, 49% Navoiyuran) to develop uranium deposits, including Djengeldi.
Pilot tests of the first 350 kg of jointly mined uranium were announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Samarkand in November 2023. According to Minister Mirzamahmudov, French companies add value not only as investors but also as technological partners.
In 2023, Uzbek uranium supplied nearly 10% of the United States' uranium needs, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). U.S. utilities boosted uranium imports by 27% compared to 2022, relying heavily on foreign sources, while domestically produced uranium made up just 5% of total deliveries, unchanged from the previous year.
Beyond energy, the visit will mark a milestone in bilateral relations with the signing of an agreement to establish a Franco-Uzbek university, expected to open in September or October.
"There is a real need to train technical specialists, to teach the skills and methods that our companies need to operate here," said Joanna Golas.
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