Uzbekistan, IAEA Discuss Construction of First Nuclear Plant

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Director of the Uzatom, Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, held a bilateral meeting with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to review the current state of cooperation and the implementation of a joint “Roadmap” for advancing the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Uzbekistan.

Grossi praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to establish a national nuclear infrastructure and its consistent approach to developing nuclear energy in line with IAEA standards and recommendations. He highlighted the importance of reforms led by the President of Uzbekistan, which have created the necessary conditions for the growth of the sector.

The meeting focused in particular on preparations for the follow-up INIR mission, scheduled for the second half of 2026. During the visit, IAEA specialists will evaluate the progress of the country’s first nuclear power plant project in the Jizzakh region. Grossi emphasized the high level of readiness for the mission and noted that its implementation will be a key milestone in Uzbekistan’s nuclear program.

The parties also discussed the practical phase of the project — the commencement of initial concrete works at the site of the first nuclear power plant in the Farish district of Jizzakh. Grossi highlighted the strategic importance of the project, including plans to integrate large- and small-capacity reactors into a unified infrastructure.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the IAEA confirmed its readiness to continue supporting Uzbekistan’s nuclear program. The Director General accepted an invitation to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. Both sides also expressed interest in increasing the number of Uzbek specialists within the IAEA Secretariat, which would help integrate national expertise into international projects and strengthen the country’s human resource capacity in nuclear energy.

The partnership between Uzbekistan and the IAEA reflects mutual trust and a shared commitment to developing safe, modern nuclear energy in compliance with the highest safety standards.