Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Plant Project Brings US$24.7B to Russia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The construction of a nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Russian industry, said Alexey Likhachyov, CEO of the state corporation Rosatom, on 24 March.

On Tuesday, Uzatom and Rosatom signed a “roadmap” for cooperation and an agreement related to the nuclear plant construction contract.

The project will be implemented in a new configuration: two large-capacity units based on Generation 3+ VVER-1000 reactors (1 GW each) and two small units with RITM-200N reactors of 55 MW each. The total installed capacity of the plant will reach 2,110 MW. Concrete work has already begun in the Jizzakh region.

According to Likhachyov, the project creates substantial orders for Russian enterprises, including both private and state-owned companies. “Construction of just the small unit alone generates orders worth up to 2 trillion rubles (US$24.7 billion). In terms of employment, that translates to around 1,000 jobs directly in Russia,” he noted.

He also highlighted the project’s multiplier effect for the Russian economy: “The return on investment in Russia could reach up to 1.5 rubles per ruble during construction and up to 2 rubles per ruble during the plant’s operation.”

Particular attention is being given to localization in Uzbekistan. “We are happy to work on transferring competencies both during construction and in the future operation of the plant,” Likhachyov added.

Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, director of Uzatom, emphasized that the project prioritizes safety standards over cost reduction. He stated that agreements have been reached to localize certain works and procurement, with the current localization level at 29–30%.

All materials and equipment will undergo strict laboratory testing before use at the facility.

Uzbekistan’s nuclear power project is considered a strategic collaboration, expected to strengthen the positions of Russian companies in the nuclear energy sector and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.