Uzbekistan’s Small and Large Nuclear Power Plant Project Aims to Produce Over 15 Billion kWh by 2035

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan is preparing to implement the country’s first-ever nuclear energy project, which will involve constructing both a large nuclear power plant (NPP) with a capacity of 2 GW and a small NPP of 110 MW on a single site in Jizzakh region. This was announced on September 25 by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev at the Global Nuclear Forum.

According to Khodjaev, the site will host two large reactors of 1,000 MW each and two small reactors of 55 MW each. This combined approach will simultaneously provide 2.1 GW of baseload generation along with flexible maneuvering capacity. By 2035, the NPP, covering an area of 525 hectares, is expected to generate more than 15 billion kWh of electricity.

Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev noted that Uzbek authorities decided to complement the small NPP site with two large reactors. “We are actively working with the government of Uzbekistan on this matter,” he stated.

Azim Akhmedkhadjayev, Director of the Uzbek Agency for Atomic Energy “Uzatom,” emphasized that Uzbekistan plans to develop an integrated nuclear energy model, combining small modular reactors with large units. “We are essentially pioneers in implementing small modular reactors. We plan to build a broad competence school that will allow experience exchange and workforce development,” Akhmedkhadjayev said.

The small NPP project is based on the Russian RITM-200N technology — a pressurized water reactor adapted for land-based deployment. Each reactor will have an electrical capacity of 55 MW and a thermal capacity of 190 MW, with a lifespan of up to 60 years. Construction of the first concrete structure for the small NPP is planned for March 2026, with the plant reaching its design capacity by 2033, followed by the sequential commissioning of each additional unit at six-month intervals.

The large NPP project includes the construction of two VVER-1000 power units, with potential expansion to four units. The implementation period is estimated at approximately six years, and negotiations are underway with international partners regarding the supply of turbine equipment, generators, and auxiliary systems.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev described the small NPP project as “vital” for the country’s economic development and highlighted the importance of utilizing domestic uranium reserves, which were previously exported.

According to Akhmedkhadjayev, work at the site is already underway: geological surveys have been completed, the foundation pit has been prepared, and coordination with national regulators and the IAEA is ongoing to ensure compliance with international safety standards.