Uzbekistan Launches First Nuclear Power Plant Project

Uzbekistan has officially begun construction of its first civilian nuclear power plant, a project valued at nearly $9.5 billion.

The launch ceremony was held via video link between the construction site in central Uzbekistan and Saint Petersburg, where Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly gave the order to begin work on the plant's first reactor unit.

Mirziyoyev said the facility would play a major role in strengthening the country's electricity generation capacity once it reaches full operational output.

Uzbek authorities stated that construction and equipment installation will be carried out in accordance with standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

According to Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, head of Uzbekistan's atomic energy agency Uzatom, the project's base cost is estimated at $9.5 billion. The plant is expected to become a key component of Uzbekistan's long-term energy strategy and efforts to meet growing power demand.