The pouring of the first concrete for a small nuclear power plant (SNPP) in Uzbekistan is planned for the first half of 2026, as per to the press service of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.
The timeline was discussed on January 27 during a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. The talks focused on the practical implementation of the integrated nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan, as well as on expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Rosatom reported that construction activities at the project site are progressing in line with the approved schedule. Excavation work for the first low-power reactor unit began in October 2025, marking the start of on-site construction. Design work for the power plant is continuing in parallel with preparatory construction activities.
According to Rosatom, the main objective for the current stage of the project is the commencement of concrete works for the foundation slab of the nuclear island buildings. Alexey Likhachev stated that concrete preparation works are planned to begin in the spring, with the start of the main concrete pouring phase scheduled for the first half of 2026.
The development of human resources for the nuclear sector was also discussed during the meeting. In December 2025, an advanced engineering school specializing in nuclear energy and nuclear technologies was launched at the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. The institution is intended to support the training of qualified specialists for Uzbekistan’s nuclear industry and to contribute to scientific and technical development in the sector.
In addition to power generation, the sides reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation in the application of nuclear technologies in other areas, including agriculture and medicine, as well as joint efforts in scientific research and the implementation of social projects.
The issue of construction timelines has drawn public attention in recent weeks. The draft State Program for the Implementation of the “Uzbekistan 2030” Strategy indicates that the first concrete pouring is scheduled for December 2026. At the same time, the Uzatom agency has denied any postponement of the project, stating that previously announced targets remain in force, while not specifying exact dates.
Earlier, President Mirziyoyev instructed that the construction of the nuclear power plant be accelerated and that the first concrete be poured in March. Rosatom has reiterated that the project is proceeding according to schedule, with the next key construction milestone planned for the first half of 2026.
