Uzbekistan Enters Key Stage in Construction of Small-Scale Nuclear Power Plant

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Jizzakh region, earthworks have commenced at the site of a small-scale nuclear power plant (SMNPP) featuring a RITM-200N reactor, the press service of Rosatom reported.

The official launch of this critical phase of the project was marked by Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, and Azim Ahmedkhadjaev, head of Uzbekistan’s Uzatom agency.

During the first stage, approximately 1.5 million cubic meters of soil will be excavated to create the foundation pit for the power unit, which will be about 13 meters deep. The plant is being constructed in the Farish district of Jizzakh region according to a Russian-designed project.

“As with all our overseas projects, the SMNPP features a high degree of localization,” stated Alexey Likhachev. “The work is being carried out by Uzbek subcontractors. Rosatom will construct a plant with a service life of at least 60 years and provide the necessary support for its operation. We are looking forward to many decades of fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation.”

The ceremony marked the practical commencement of the small nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan. The parties plan to achieve the “first concrete” milestone for Unit 1 in spring 2026.

Uzbekistan and Russia originally signed an agreement on the construction of a nuclear power plant in 2018. The document outlined the design, construction, commissioning, operation, and eventual decommissioning of a plant with two power units, each equipped with Russian water-water reactors (VVER) with a capacity of up to 1.2 GW.

In May 2024, the parties decided to begin the project with a small nuclear power plant. Amendments were made to the intergovernmental agreement: alongside the original plan for a large plant, provisions were added for the construction of a small NPP with six reactors, later reduced to two.

In June 2025, Rosatom and Uzatom signed an agreement to jointly explore the prospects for constructing a large-scale nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan.

The small NPP project is based on the Russian RITM-200N technology — a water-water reactor adapted for land-based deployment. Each unit will have an electrical capacity of 55 MW, a thermal output of 190 MW, and a service life of up to 60 years. According to plans, the first concrete for the foundation is scheduled for March 2026, with the plant reaching its design capacity by 2033. Subsequent units will be commissioned at six-month intervals.

The large NPP project envisions the construction of two VVER-1000 units, with potential expansion to four. The project timeline is estimated at approximately six years. Negotiations are ongoing with international partners regarding the supply of turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev described the construction of the small NPP as a “vital project” for the country’s sustainable economic development. He emphasized that utilizing Uzbekistan’s own uranium reserves, which were previously exported, will strengthen energy independence and enhance the efficiency of the national economy.