Construction of Nuclear Power Plant to Ensure Reliable Energy Supply for Central Uzbekistan — Head of Uzatom

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Azim Ahmedkhadjaev, Director of the Agency for Atomic Energy under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzatom), stated in an interview with Uzbekiston 24 that the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) will provide a reliable foundation for energy supply to the country’s central regions, including Jizzakh, Samarkand, and Navoi.

According to Ahmedkhadjaev, the integrated NPP, which will feature two small-capacity RITM-200N reactors and two large-capacity VVER-1000 reactors, will serve as a stable source of base-load electricity, reducing dependence on gas-fired generation and mitigating seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy output.

“The construction of the NPP establishes a solid foundation for the development of industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. This is a strategically forward-looking decision that reflects national interests, global trends in nuclear energy, and the need to transition to a sustainable, reliable, and low-carbon energy system,” Ahmedkhadjaev emphasized.

He noted that the project will attract significant investment and stimulate growth in the construction, transport, and service sectors of the economy.

At the end of September, Uzatom and the state corporation Rosatom signed an additional agreement on a new configuration of the NPP project, consisting of four power units — two large-capacity units based on Generation 3+ VVER-1000 reactors and two small-capacity units with 55 MW RITM-200N reactors.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev reported that the combined NPP, covering an area of 525 hectares, is expected to produce over 15 billion kWh of electricity annually by 2035.