Uzbekistan Considers Expanding Nuclear Power Plant Project in Jizzakh Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Agency for the Development of Atomic Energy under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan (Uzatom) is considering the possibility of expanding its nuclear power plant project by adding additional high-capacity power units. This was announced by Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev in an interview with Spot on the sidelines of the World Nuclear Week forum in Moscow.

“This will depend on the growth of electricity consumption. We do not rule out that, in the future, following the successful implementation of the initial project, expansion may become necessary. If such a need arises, it must be addressed,” Akhmedkhadjaev said.

According to him, the Jizzakh region site, where the plant’s construction layout has already been approved, is being considered for expansion. The plot covers more than 1,000 hectares, while the placement of two large-capacity units and two small reactors will require about 525 hectares.

On 20 June, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Uzatom and Russia’s state corporation Rosatom signed an agreement to study the potential for building a large-capacity nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan.

The basic plan envisions the construction of two VVER-1000 power units, with the option to expand to four.

Last week, the parties agreed on a new configuration for the future station. The plant will include two large-capacity units based on Generation III+ VVER-1000 reactors and two small-capacity units equipped with RITM-200N reactors, each generating 55 MW.