Russia’s Rosatom has launched the production of key reactor equipment for Uzbekistan’s first small modular nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the bilateral energy project, Rosatom announced.

Rosatom has officially commenced manufacturing reactor components for Uzbekistan’s first small modular nuclear power plant (SMR), as part of a major energy cooperation initiative between the two countries. At the AEM-Spetsstal metallurgical plant - part of Rosatom’s Engineering Division - a 205-ton ingot of special alloy steel has been cast. This marks the beginning of production for the RITM-200N reactor pressure vessel flange, a central component of the SMR unit.

The casting of this ingot represents the practical start of reactor development, Rosatom emphasized during its presentation at the Power Uzbekistan 2025 international exhibition. The event was attended by top energy experts and representatives from key ministries and agencies of Uzbekistan.

Once the initial metallurgical processes are completed at AEM-Spetsstal, the ingot will be transferred to other facilities within Rosatom’s Engineering Division for assembly into the full reactor vessel.

“This step toward practical implementation of the SMR project in Uzbekistan highlights the strong international interest in small nuclear technologies and the trust our partners place in Rosatom’s solutions,” said Igor Kotov, Head of Rosatom’s Engineering Division. “Our companies have the experience and capabilities needed to produce RITM-series reactor units, which are already successfully operating in Russia’s icebreaker fleet. These competencies will now support the production of all six RITM-200N units for Uzbekistan’s SMR.”

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