Uzbekistan Launches Construction of Small Nuclear Power Plant Foundation and Nuclear Medicine Center Project

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan held a ceremonial event marking the launch of two strategically significant projects in the field of peaceful nuclear energy.

The event took place in the Forish district of the Jizzakh region, where excavation work began for the foundation of the small nuclear power plant’s reactor building, and in the Mirzo Ulugbek district of Tashkent, where the Nuclear Medicine Center project was inaugurated.

The ceremony was attended by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin as part of the second “Central Asia–Russia” international summit. Director of Uzatom Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev and Director General of the Russian state corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev jointly pressed the symbolic launch button to mark the start of core activities on both projects. These initiatives aim to contribute to the well-being of Uzbekistan’s population and symbolize the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Excavation Works: Preparing the Reactor Foundation

The commencement of excavation marks an important stage preceding the “first concrete” pour for the reactor unit, which is scheduled for March 2026.

“This project is being implemented under the initiative of the esteemed President. It marks a new era of Uzbekistan’s energy independence, ensuring stable electricity supply, stimulating economic growth, and creating thousands of new jobs. The use of domestic resources and technologies makes this project truly national and strengthens the country’s technological sovereignty,” said Abidzhamil Kalmuradov, Director of the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate.

Pavel Bezrukov, Vice President of Atomstroyexport, the project’s contractor, noted that the upcoming stages will include the pouring of the “first concrete” for the small-capacity reactor unit and the active design phase for large nuclear power units.

The nuclear power plant will be constructed in phases: small modular reactors will be launched first, followed by large-capacity reactors in subsequent stages.

Cooperation with the IAEA

The project is being implemented in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which provides expert, technical, and methodological support in developing the regulatory framework, building national nuclear infrastructure, and ensuring safety standards during design and operation.

Uzbekistan has joined several international conventions on nuclear safety, physical protection, and emergency preparedness, reaffirming its commitment to international obligations in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The IAEA provides support in several key areas, including:

– conducting comprehensive missions to assess national infrastructure, site selection, design solutions, and safety systems (INIR, SEED, IRRS, etc.);
– providing expert guidance throughout all stages of the project — from site selection to commissioning of the units in full compliance with international safety standards;
– developing systems for knowledge management and safety culture, and integrating global best practices into Uzbekistan’s nuclear industry institutions.

Cooperation with the IAEA is of strategic importance for the successful implementation of Uzbekistan’s integrated NPP project, ensuring the creation of a reliable, safe, and sustainable national nuclear infrastructure that meets international requirements and best global standards.

Uzbekistan and the IAEA intend to continue close cooperation to ensure the safe, efficient, and successful execution of the project and to strengthen the country’s capacity in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Establishment of the Nuclear Medicine Center in Uzbekistan

The establishment of the Nuclear Medicine Center is a vital project that will enable early diagnosis and prevention of oncological diseases.

At the initial stage, the center will employ advanced technologies such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for early cancer detection and provide minimally invasive tumor treatment using Gamma Knife and CyberKnife systems.

The center will also host a radiopharmaceuticals laboratory.

The modern facility will make it possible to:

– implement a full cycle of cancer care and early, accurate diagnostics within Uzbekistan;
– create more than 100 high-tech jobs for specialists in radiology, medical physics, and radiochemistry;
– establish a scientific foundation for developing a national training system in nuclear medicine.

In 2025–2026, the center will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology during the first phase, followed by the introduction of radionuclide and proton therapy.

Foundation of Success

The success of these initiatives stems from the reforms introduced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at modernizing the economy, introducing innovative technologies, and strengthening international cooperation. Uzbekistan’s development strategy, based on the principles of sustainable growth and improved quality of life, has created a solid foundation for the implementation of these large-scale projects.