Uzbekistan Moves Toward Domestic Nuclear Power Generation — Khodjaev at Global Nuclear Forum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev announced at the plenary session of the Global Nuclear Forum in Moscow that the country is transitioning to domestic energy generation based on peaceful nuclear technology.

According to Khodjaev, Uzbekistan has long been a significant uranium producer, holding about 4% of the world’s reserves and annually extracting over 3,500 tons of uranium, maintaining its status as a reliable partner in the global fuel cycle. “This provides a solid industrial foundation and practical experience on which we are building the next stage of the sector’s development. On the initiative of the President, the country is moving from a raw material role toward establishing its own nuclear power generation, and this process is multidimensional,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

He highlighted the uniqueness of the joint project with the Russian corporation Rosatom to build Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant. At a single site in the Jizzakh region, two large-capacity VVER-1000 reactors of 1,000 MW each and two small RITM-200N reactors of 55 MW each will be constructed. This combination is intended to enhance grid operational stability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.

“The large reactors will provide predictable baseload generation, while the smaller ones offer flexibility to cover morning and evening demand peaks and serve as backup during fluctuations in solar and wind output. The nuclear power plant will not only supply ‘green’ energy but will also become a system-forming facility, capable of creating energy harmony amid accelerated renewable integration and growing industrial consumption,” Khodjaev explained.

He also stressed the importance of workforce development in the nuclear sector. A continuous training system will be established, encompassing all stages from school education to postgraduate and professional programs.