Uzbekistan is moving forward with ambitious projects in the nuclear energy sector, combining the construction of small modular reactors with proposals for large-scale nuclear power plants.
This initiative became closer to reality with the signing of a deal between Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency Uzatom and its Russian counterpart Rosatom, for the supply of nuclear fuel for small-power nuclear power plant and large-Power nuclear plant.
This latest development which unfolded at World Atomic Week in Moscow marks a new stage in the country’s energy strategy as it seeks to meet growing demand while reducing carbon emissions.
Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedhajev hailed the project as “bold” and “cutting edge”.
"In the heart of Uzbekistan, in the Jizzakh region, we are creating an unprecedented energy project” he said.
“As pioneers in Central Asia’s nuclear power development, we are not just building the first plant in the region – we are the first to create an innovative solution for the future.
Our project is a bold combination of cutting-edge technologies of small-modular plants and time-tested solutions of classic high-capacity nuclear power” Akhmedhajev added.
The small modular reactor (SMR) project in Jizzakh region is already entering its practical stage. This autumn, preparatory works are expected to move into excavation, and the first concrete pour is expected to take place in March 2026.
Director General of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev also said of the project, that “Thanks to the reached agreements, Uzbekistan will become the first country in the world to build an integrated nuclear plant,
where a modern low-power nuclear plant and a large-power nuclear power plant will be operated simultaneously on the same site."
The plant will be based on Russian RITM-200N technology, with six reactors of 55 megawatts each, providing a total capacity of 330 megawatts.
Earlier this year, Rosatom produced a 205-tonne ingot of special alloyed steel destined for the reactor vessel, marking a significant milestone and confirming that the project has moved beyond the design phase.
In the agreement signed between Uzatom and Rosatom, the proposal foresees two VVER-1000 reactors, with the option of expanding to four units.
Officials emphasise that combining SMRs with large-scale reactors would create a carbon-free energy cluster capable of meeting the country’s growing electricity demand in a flexible and reliable way.
The project comes at a crucial time with Uzbekistan’s energy needs increasing rapidly and consumption projected to nearly double by 2030.
Nuclear energy is viewed as an important foundation for balancing energy supply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Moving from exporting raw materials to generating its own nuclear power represents a strategic step towards self-sufficiency for Tashkent and technological advancement in the energy sector.
Despite the momentum, the nuclear programme faces several challenges. Financing remains one of the most difficult issues, given the high upfront costs of nuclear construction.
Ensuring compliance with international safety standards and domestic regulatory frameworks is another priority, requiring close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Public trust is equally important, particularly in guaranteeing that local communities are informed, environmental concerns are addressed, and strict safety protocols are observed at every stage.
If implemented successfully, the combination of small modular reactors and large nuclear plants will provide Uzbekistan with greater energy security and a leading position among countries adopting low-carbon technologies for the future.
Pakistan says it has killed 26 militants in strikes on terrorist hideouts along the Afghan border, marking the most significant escalation between the...
Canada’s Privacy Commissioner has found that xAI’s Grok chatbot and its parent company X Corp. violated federal privacy law by launching an AI ima...
China's foreign ministry announced on Thursday that it had imposed sanctions on Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his immediate family...
The United States launched overnight strikes on military targets across Iran, as President Donald Trump warns of further attacks unless a peace deal i...
Conditions of a climate pattern El Niño have officially developed and are expected to strengthen through the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026-27,...
Canada’s Privacy Commissioner has found that xAI’s Grok chatbot and its parent company X Corp. violated federal privacy law by launching an AI image-generation tool without adequate safeguards, enabling the creation and distribution of non-consensual sexualised deepfakes.
China's foreign ministry announced on Thursday that it had imposed sanctions on Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his immediate family, accusing him of repeatedly making remarks that undermined China's "legitimate interests" and bilateral relations.
The United States launched overnight strikes on military targets across Iran, as President Donald Trump warns of further attacks unless a peace deal is reached. Iran responded by targeting U.S. bases in the Gulf and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Conditions of a climate pattern El Niño have officially developed and are expected to strengthen through the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026-27, according to the U.S. Climate Prediction Center. The forecast raises concerns of extreme weather, agricultural issues and record global temperatures.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June.
The Pakistani city of Karachi is struggling under severe heat and humidity as the country enters a prolonged heatwave period. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of above-normal temperatures across much of the country between 7 and 12 June.
Ukraine's military said it struck a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the Black Sea as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Moscow's energy and logistics networks. The move underscores Kyiv's focus on targeting maritime assets it says are used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports.
U.S. forces say they have completed strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile attacks on an American base in Jordan, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two sides.
Russia has once again offered warm words to Tbilisi, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praising Georgia's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and saying Moscow is ready to deepen ties.
Azerbaijan dispatched 17 railway wagons carrying 984 tonnes of diesel fuel to Armenia on Thursday, marking the latest shipment in growing trade between the two countries.
The U.S. is deepening engagement with Central Asia on critical minerals as global competition for strategic resources intensifies. The issue dominated talks in Astana between Washington and the five Central Asian states.
Israel's cabinet is expected to approve a plan on Thursday (11 June) to allocate around one billion shekels ($338 million) for settlement development in the West Bank, according to reports and anti-settlement campaigners.
India is expected to receive below-average rainfall over the next two weeks, particularly across central and northern regions, as weather systems known as western disturbances slow the advance of the annual monsoon, senior weather officials said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment