Uzbekistan Studies Russian Nuclear City Model at Novovoronezh

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister Achilbay Ramatov, has visited the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant and the satellite city of Novovoronezh to study advanced Russian experience in nuclear plant operations and nuclear city development.

During the visit, members of the Uzbek delegation familiarised themselves with the city's infrastructure, social and sports facilities, and educational institutions, and visited sites of historical significance. Particular attention was given to the work of the Novovoronezh Polytechnic Institute, a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, which trains specialists for the nuclear industry.

Delegation members also examined the operation of modern Generation 3+ power units equipped with VVER-1200 reactors.

Rosenergoatom Director General Alexander Shutikov noted that Novovoronezh serves as a clear example of successful nuclear city development, having undergone significant transformation in recent years through cooperation with state corporation Rosatom and today ranking among Russia's most well-appointed nuclear cities.

Members of the Uzbek delegation spoke highly of the level of urban infrastructure development and living conditions for residents.

Deputy Director for Capital Construction at the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate Otabek Amanov said the delegation was particularly impressed by the high professionalism of nuclear industry specialists and the readiness of Russian colleagues to share their accumulated experience.

During the visit, it was noted that Novovoronezh is a classic example of a single-industry city whose socioeconomic development is closely tied to the operations of its nuclear power plant. Through joint programmes between Rosatom and the Voronezh regional government, significant funds have been directed toward urban infrastructure development, enabling the modernisation of educational, cultural, sports, and public utility facilities.

Voronezh Region Governor Alexander Gusev noted that the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant has provided reliable energy supply to the region for more than six decades and is one of the largest taxpayers in the oblast, making a substantial contribution to its socioeconomic development.

Separate attention during the meetings was given to the implementation of the project to construct Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant. On 4 June 2026, the presidents of Uzbekistan and Russia officially launched construction of the first power unit of the nuclear power plant in the Republic of Uzbekistan at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026.

The project, being implemented by state corporation Rosatom, provides for the construction of an integrated nuclear power plant comprising two large-capacity units with VVER-1000 reactors and two small-capacity units with RITM-200N reactors. The future plant is expected to meet up to 14 percent of Uzbekistan's electricity needs.

At the conclusion of the visit, it was noted that the study of Novovoronezh's experience will provide an important foundation for shaping the concept of the future nuclear workers' city in Uzbekistan, and will allow best international practices to be applied in the implementation of the large-scale energy project.