Uzbekistan officially launched construction of its first nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the country's long-term energy strategy and deepening nuclear cooperation with Russia.
The launch ceremony was attended via video link by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who jointly gave the formal authorization to begin construction of the first power unit at the project site in the Farish district of Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region.
The event coincided with the pouring of the first concrete for the future small modular reactor (SMR) unit, a key construction milestone that officially moves the project into the implementation phase.
The ceremony connected the construction site in Uzbekistan with the Russian city of Saint Petersburg and was attended by senior officials from the nuclear sector, including Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who delivered welcoming remarks.
Project updates were presented by senior representatives from Rosatom and Uzbekistan's atomic energy agency, highlighting progress in engineering, licensing, and site preparation.
Strategic Energy Investment
Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy at Rosatom, described the project as a strategic step in Uzbekistan's technological and industrial development.
According to project estimates, the nuclear facility will be capable of supplying up to 14% of Uzbekistan's electricity demand once operational, supporting economic growth while strengthening the country's long-term energy security.
Petrov said the initiative extends beyond power generation and forms part of a broader vision to create an integrated "atomic city" featuring scientific, technological, and research centers dedicated to nuclear technologies and related disciplines.
Construction Enters New Phase
The pouring of first concrete at the reactor building formally signals the transition from project planning to construction under international nuclear industry standards.
During the current phase, engineers will place approximately 133 cubic meters of concrete, while total concrete requirements for the reactor foundation are expected to reach around 10,000 cubic meters.
When fully operational, the plant is projected to generate approximately 17.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, making it one of the most significant additions to Uzbekistan's future energy mix.
The construction launch follows a major regulatory milestone achieved earlier this month.
On June 4, Uzbekistan's Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Committee issued a construction license for the nuclear power unit equipped with the RITM-200N reactor, following a comprehensive review of project documentation and safety requirements.
The assessment was conducted in accordance with national regulations and IAEA standards, with participation from both international and Russian nuclear experts.
The construction license follows a site-use permit granted on March 23, completing another key step in the project's regulatory process.
Uzbek authorities said oversight bodies will continue monitoring all phases of construction to ensure full compliance with international nuclear safety and security standards throughout the project's development.
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