Uzbekistan has taken a major step forward in its nuclear energy program after granting a license for the construction of a small modular nuclear power unit based on the RITM-200N reactor technology.

The license was issued by the country’s Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety as part of Uzbekistan’s planned nuclear power plant project, The Caspian Post reports via Interfax.

According to the committee, the approval allows construction work to move ahead while regulatory authorities continue to oversee compliance with strict safety requirements throughout the project.

The regulator will monitor adherence to licensing conditions, construction safety standards, and measures designed to protect both the public and the environment.

The committee stated that project documentation, technical designs, and safety assessments for the RITM-200N reactor were reviewed in accordance with national legislation, international experience, and recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Foreign specialists were also involved in the evaluation process, including experts from Russia’s leading Scientific and Technical Center for Radiation and Nuclear Safety.

The small modular reactor project is a key component of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix, strengthen energy security, and meet growing electricity demand.

Supporters of small modular reactors argue that they offer enhanced flexibility, lower construction costs, and improved safety features compared with traditional large-scale nuclear power plants.