By a joint order of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, construction of Uzbekistan’s nuclear power plant has officially commenced. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also attended the inauguration ceremony.
The power plant is being built in the Jizzakh Region of Uzbekistan and has been described as one of the most unprecedented projects in the global nuclear industry. According to the announced plans, it will be the first nuclear facility in the world where both small-capacity and large-capacity reactors are constructed simultaneously at a single site.
In accordance with IAEA criteria and standards, the commencement of first concrete pouring marks the official transition of the project into the construction phase. With this milestone achieved, the project has formally entered its execution stage.
President Putin stated that, in addition to strengthening Uzbekistan’s energy security, the project could play a significant role in enhancing energy development and sustainability across Central Asia.
President Mirziyoyev described the occasion as a historic milestone for his country, emphasizing that the project could usher in a new era of scientific, industrial, and technological advancement in Uzbekistan. He stressed that ensuring safety throughout every phase of the project would remain the government’s highest priority and noted that construction activities would be carried out under the continuous oversight of the IAEA.
The Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has committed not only to constructing the power plant but also to supplying nuclear fuel and providing long-term maintenance and technical support services.
Welcoming the launch of the project, Rafael Grossi noted that it incorporates small modular reactor (SMR) technology a capability currently possessed by only a limited number of countries worldwide. He further stated that the IAEA would continue its cooperation and oversight throughout both the construction and operational phases to ensure nuclear safety, physical security, and compliance with non-proliferation requirements.
According to the joint roadmap developed by Rosatom and Uzatom, the small reactors of the RITM-200N design are scheduled to become operational by the end of 2029. The larger VVER-1000 reactors are expected to be completed progressively between 2033 and 2035, at which point the facility is projected to reach its full operational capacity. However, the realization of this timeline remains contingent upon uninterrupted project progress, strict adherence to safety requirements, and the fulfillment of all necessary international regulatory approvals.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
