The launch of construction work on a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan has been postponed by approximately nine months.

According to updated plans, the beginning of the construction phase-marked by the pouring of the first concrete-is now scheduled for December 2026, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

Details

The start of construction for the small nuclear power plant-marked by the pouring of the first concrete-has been rescheduled for a later phase of the project cycle. While earlier directives from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized accelerating the process and beginning construction as soon as possible, the revised timeline reflects ongoing technical, regulatory, and contractual preparations.

Officials have not publicly detailed the specific factors behind the postponement. Such adjustments, however, are common in nuclear projects, which typically require extensive coordination across safety reviews, site readiness, financing structures, and international partnerships.

Plans

Uzbekistan plans to formalize additional agreements with Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom as part of the next phase of the project. These agreements are expected to go beyond construction and include long-term arrangements for nuclear fuel supply, operational support, and related services.

By sequencing contractual commitments alongside construction milestones, Tashkent aims to ensure the project’s financial sustainability and operational reliability over its full lifecycle.

Context

The nuclear initiative fits into Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to diversify energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and meet rising electricity demand. In particular, Uzbek policymakers have shown interest in small modular reactors and mobile nuclear power solutions, which are viewed as more flexible and scalable than traditional large-scale nuclear plants.

These technologies are often presented as better suited to countries seeking to introduce nuclear power gradually, strengthen energy security, and integrate low-carbon generation without overburdening national grids.