Uzbekistan and Russia are expected to finalize negotiations for a nuclear power plant construction project.
According to a report by KOTRA titled “Final Stages of Uzbekistan’s First Nuclear Power Plant Construction Negotiations,” Uzbekistan is in advanced talks with Russia’s state nuclear energy firm, Rosatom. Negotiations, which had been delayed due to the war in Ukraine, resumed last year and made substantial progress by November, reaching agreements on low-power operations and workforce training. The two sides are now finalizing the construction contract, with plans to break ground by the end of this year.
Under Uzbekistan’s 2019-2029 nuclear power plan, the country aims to construct two nuclear plants, each with a capacity of 1.2 GWh, delivering a combined 2.4 GWh by 2030. These plants are expected to generate 18,900 GWh of electricity annually, covering 25% of the nation’s total power needs and helping to address the country’s chronic energy shortages.
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan is eyeing further nuclear development beyond the initial two plants. South Korea is expected to be a strong contender in future bids, bringing its expertise in small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
KOTRA emphasized that nuclear power is a key pillar of Uzbekistan’s energy policy and its broader plans for sustainable development. The country is committed to working within international frameworks for nuclear safety, and the government plans to update its laws and regulations to align with global nuclear safety standards as it moves forward with these projects.
Most Commented