Uzbekistan Plans to Expand Energy Capacity Through Nuclear Industry, Says President

Plans to establish long-term energy capacities in Uzbekistan through the nuclear industry were discussed at a government meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to Uzbek media reports.

"Nuclear energy is the optimal solution for establishing long-term energy capacities. Our country, which has its own uranium reserves, also plans to develop a long-term energy base. In particular, a project for constructing low-power reactors has been developed," Mirziyoyev was quoted as saying by the media.

Mirziyoyev issued instructions on training specialists for the future power plant and the industry as a whole, as well as ensuring safety in accordance with the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the media said.

"The implementation of such technologies will enhance the economy's competitiveness and create a favorable foundation for long-term growth," Mirziyoyev said.

In May 2024, a contract was signed in Tashkent for constructing a low-power nuclear power plant. The project involves building an NPP in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region based on a Russian design with a capacity of 330 MW (six RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW). Rosatom will serve as the general contractor for construction, with local companies also involved. The selected site has been surveyed, and its safety has been confirmed. In early September last year, Uzatom and Atomstroyexport (Rosatom's engineering division) signed a protocol to begin work at the future plant's construction site.

Electricity production in the country reached 81.5 billion kWh in 2024, according to the Uzbek Energy Ministry. The country's energy demand is projected to reach 117 billion kWh by 2030 and 135 billion kWh by 2035.