Russia plans to construct up to six "mini" nuclear reactors in Uzbekistan, utilizing the 55-megawatt RITM-200N design. These reactors will collectively form a power production complex in Jizzakh, central-eastern Uzbekistan, with a total capacity of up to 330 megawatts. If completed swiftly, this project could establish Central Asia’s first nuclear power facility.
This nuclear development follows Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's recent endorsement of nuclear energy as essential for energy security and sustainable development.
"Nearly all the leading countries of the world ensure their energy security and sustainable development with the help of nuclear energy. Considering Uzbekistan's prospects for entering a new development stage, this project is vital for our country, which has significant uranium reserves and exports them to third countries," Mirziyoyev remarked.
Russia, through its state corporation Rosatom and subsidiary Atomstroyexport, signed the deal with Uzbekistan's Directorate for Nuclear Power Plants. Construction is set to begin this summer.
This move aims to solidify Russia's dominance in nuclear power development across the region, competing with nations like France, China, the US, and South Korea. The proposed mini reactors contrast with the larger 2.4-gigawatt nuclear power plant project that Russia has been negotiating with Uzbekistan since 2018.
Despite Rosatom's extensive experience with large-scale nuclear facilities, there are concerns about its capability to deliver proven small-reactor nuclear technology. However, Rosatom's portfolio includes the Akademik Lomonosov, Russia’s first floating nuclear power plant, currently operational in the Arctic port of Pevek.
Putin also discussed increasing gas and oil supplies to Uzbekistan.
"Exports are running well ahead of schedule and we are ready to increase their volume if needed," Putin stated.
Uzbekistan, with an annual gas production of around 50 bn cubic meters (bcm), struggles to meet domestic demand, especially in winter. In March, Uzbekistan agreed to import up to 11 bcm of Russian gas annually by 2026, providing a crucial supply to avoid energy shortages.
With the European Union distancing itself from Russian energy due to the Ukraine conflict, Russia is seeking to expand its gas exports to Asia. It relies on Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to provide additional capacity on the Central Asia-China (CAC) pipeline, facilitating increased gas transit to China. However, this expansion could impede Turkmenistan's gas export ambitions.
The CAC pipeline, with three routes from Turkmenistan to China passing through Uzbek and Kazakh territories, currently allocates 10 bcm each for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. As both countries prioritize their own gas consumption, the 20 bcm capacity for Chinese deliveries has become available.
The visit maintained a cordial tone between the strategic partners. Mirziyoyev called Putin's visit "historic," stating, "It heralds the beginning of a new age in the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance relations between our countries," as reported by Reuters. Putin reciprocated, describing Tashkent as Moscow's "strategic partner and reliable ally."
Other announcements included a $400mn commitment from Putin to a $500mn joint investment fund for projects in Uzbekistan. The leaders also reviewed progress on bilateral projects in mining, metals, and chemicals, with investments now valued at $45bn.
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