Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency “Uzatom” and Russia’s state corporation "Rosatom" signed the documents in Tashkent on March 24, formalizing cooperation across nuclear and related sectors.
The agreement introduces a new configuration for the plant, combining two large VVER-1000 reactors (1 GW each) with two small RITM-200N reactors (55 MW each), bringing total capacity to 2,110 MW.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate around 17.2bn kWh annually, covering up to 15% of Uzbekistan’s electricity demand.
Construction has already begun at the site in the Farish district of Jizzakh region, where initial concrete works are underway for the small modular reactor unit. Around 900 cubic meters of concrete are planned to be poured during this phase, which is scheduled for completion in April 2026.
The roadmap outlines broader cooperation beyond construction, including workforce training, public awareness on nuclear technologies, and the development of a future “nuclear city” near the plant. Officials say the project reflects a comprehensive approach to building Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy sector.
According to Uzatom head Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, the start of construction marks a “decisive step” in implementing Uzbekistan’s national nuclear energy program, which is being developed under the oversight of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev described the project as a new global model, combining reactors of different capacities at a single site—an approach not previously implemented. He noted that the configuration offers both technological and economic advantages.
The project timeline provides for the commissioning of power units between 2029 and 2035, with both large and small reactors expected to be built in parallel and share common infrastructure. Uzbekistan will also become the first country to deploy both large-scale and small modular nuclear reactors at the same site.
Key developments
Preparatory works at the construction site have been ongoing since 2025, including excavation for the reactor foundation and key licensing approvals confirming the site’s compliance with nuclear safety, environmental, and technical standards. Authorities confirmed the absence of major geological risks such as active faults or high seismic activity, allowing the project to move forward.
Earlier agreements between Uzbekistan and Russia outlined the project’s integrated structure, combining large-scale base-load reactors with smaller units for flexible peak demand coverage, optimizing both cost efficiency and energy supply stability. The plant is expected to operate for up to 60 years, contributing significantly to the country’s long-term energy independence.
The project is being implemented under the oversight of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to develop advanced technologies, strengthen energy security, and build domestic expertise in nuclear science and engineering.
