Uzbekistan Adjusts Uzatom Budget for Nuclear Project
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Ministry of Economy and Finance will revise the 2026–2027 budget estimates for the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers (Uzatom) and the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction to ensure uninterrupted project funding.
The decision was disclosed on 2 September 2026 by Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance for Oil and Gas Khurshed Mustafayev, following a presentation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the progress of the nuclear facility's construction. Mustafayev stated that the head of state instructed relevant agencies to provide continuous financing without delay to prevent project schedule slippages.
Under the directive, the Ministry of Economy and Finance must ensure continuous funding for both Uzatom and the NPP construction directorate within annually approved estimates. The decision also provides for an increase in staff numbers across both organizations. Cost estimates for 2026–2027 will be updated alongside adjustments to staffing tables and timely compensation structures.
According to state budget legislation, Uzatom received an allocation of 42.7 billion soums in 2025, designated entirely for operational expenditures. Budgetary allocations to the agency were increased to 46.4 billion soums for 2026, representing an growth of approximately 3.7 billion soums, or 8.7 percent, dedicated entirely to operational costs.
The integrated nuclear power plant is under construction in the Farish district of Jizzakh region. The site configuration features four power units: two large 1 GW units with VVER-1000 reactors and two small modular units with 55 MW RITM-200N reactors. The total installed capacity will reach 2,110 MW, with expected annual electricity production of up to 17 billion kWh.
The technical startup of the first small modular reactor is planned for October–November 2029, with the second unit scheduled to follow six months later. The first large-scale power unit is projected for commissioning in 2033, with full project completion targeted for 2034–2035.
Base construction costs for the integrated facility were previously estimated at up to US$9.5 billion, with funding primarily sourced through credit facilities, including a concessional export loan from Russia. On 17 August 2026, President Mirziyoyev also referenced preparations for a second potential nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan, though details regarding location, capacity, and timelines remain undisclosed.
