Uzbekistan and Russia Sign Roadmap for Nuclear Plant

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and Russia have signed a roadmap for cooperation in nuclear and related fields, outlining comprehensive collaboration for the construction of a nuclear power plant, according to Rosatom.

The document was signed by Azim Akhmedkhadjayev, Director of the Uzbekistan Agency for Atomic Energy (Uzatom), and Alexey Likhachyov, CEO of the Russian state corporation Rosatom.

The roadmap covers workforce training, public awareness of modern nuclear technologies, and the creation of a future “atomic city” around the plant, underscoring the strategic nature of bilateral cooperation in the nuclear sector.

An additional agreement defines a new integrated configuration for the plant, including two high-capacity units based on VVER-1000 Generation 3+ reactors and two smaller units with RITM-200N reactors of 55 MW each. The total annual output of the station will reach approximately 17.2 billion kWh, providing up to 14% of the country’s total electricity consumption.

At the construction site in the Farish district of Jizzakh region, concrete work has begun for the small-capacity RITM-200N reactor unit. Pavel Bezrukov, Vice President and Project Director of Atomstroyexport, together with Abdijamil Kalmuratov, Director of the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate, initiated the pouring of around 900 cubic meters of concrete to prepare the foundation. This work ensures leveling, waterproofing, and grounding, with the next stage involving the placement of the foundation slab.

Official approval has already been obtained for placing the two RITM-200N units on the selected site, allowing full-scale construction of the small nuclear plant within the approved integrated configuration. The approval complies with national regulations and international safety standards.

Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachyov highlighted that the signing of the roadmap and agreement, along with the start of concrete works, positions Uzbekistan at the forefront of global nuclear energy. He noted that the project will be a long-term driver of socio-economic growth and technological sovereignty, while representing an important step for Rosatom in expanding nuclear capabilities and strategic partnerships.

The small nuclear plant construction project in Uzbekistan is proceeding strictly according to schedule, Director of Uzatom Azim Akhmedkhadjayev stated on 24 March. He emphasized that the project is under the personal oversight of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with regular progress reports provided.

The President requires that all work adheres to three key principles: safety, use of modern technologies, and full compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.

Concrete work began in March 2026, and this summer construction of the reactor building is planned to commence.

In September 2025, Uzatom and Rosatom agreed on a new project configuration, consisting of two large VVER-1000 Generation 3+ units and two small 55 MW RITM-200N units. The total installed capacity of the integrated plant will exceed 2.1 GW — the large plant will provide 2 GW, and the small plant 110 MW.

The key stage of small nuclear plant construction began in October 2025 with earthworks at the RITM-200N reactor unit site. The project marks a major milestone in developing Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy sector and strengthening the country’s technological sovereignty.