Uzatom, the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, and Russia’s state-owned Rosatom have signed an agreement to explore the feasibility of constructing a high-capacity nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. The signing took place during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2025), with Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev attending the ceremony.
The agreement builds on understandings reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Uzbekistan on May 27, 2024. It follows earlier discussions between Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 28, 2025, during the INNOPROM. Central Asia exhibition, where Uzbekistan expressed interest in exploring the construction of a high-capacity nuclear power plant.
The document outlines preliminary terms for potentially building two VVER-1000 reactors, with an option to expand to four units. The project would utilize Russian nuclear technology that has demonstrated proven safety and efficiency, including at international sites such as China’s Tianwan and India’s Kudankulam nuclear power plants. Collectively, VVER-1000 reactors have accumulated over 420 reactor-years of operation.
The Uzbek government has not yet released an official statement confirming all project details reported by Russian media and officials. Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairman of the Committee on Entrepreneurship, Competition Development and Industrial Issues of the Legislative Chamber and leader of the "Yuksalish" movement, cautioned against relying solely on foreign sources.
“It is advisable that we [Uzbekistan] receive news about the construction of a large nuclear power plant only from Uzbek officials,” he stated.
Back in October 2024, Uzbekistan’s Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov stated that while construction would begin with small modular units, the country “still needs a large reactor” to meet its long-term energy goals. Uzbekistan aims to raise the share of renewable and clean energy sources to 40% by 2030.
In recent months, Uzbek and Russian officials have held negotiations focused on the technical, strategic, and economic parameters of the proposed facility. Discussions have included site selection and how the project will support the sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure.
Uzbekistan plans to begin construction of a small modular reactor (SMR) project in summer 2025, featuring six units of 55 MW each. The reactors will be commissioned in phases between 2029 and 2033. The project site has already been approved.
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