Tashkent, Mar 27: A roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear and related fields was signed in Tashkent between the Rosatom State Corporation and the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzatom), as well as an additional agreement to the nuclear power plant construction contract. The documents were signed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev
The roadmap covers all key areas of cooperation on the nuclear power plant construction project, including personnel training, public awareness of modern nuclear technologies, and the creation of a future “nuclear” city at the plant. The signing of the roadmap demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan in the nuclear sector, and the nuclear industry provides impetus for the development of all spheres of life.
The supplemental agreement to the contract, signed along with the roadmap, provides for a new, integrated nuclear power plant configuration. The project will include two high-capacity power units based on VVER-1000 Generation III+ reactors and two power units with RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Once fully operational, the nuclear power plant will generate approximately 17.2 billion kWh per year, accounting for up to 14% of Uzbekistan‘s total energy consumption. The project’s implementation will mark an important step in deepening the two countries’ strategic cooperation.
Concrete work began simultaneously at the nuclear power plant construction site in the Farish district of the Jizzakh region for the construction of a low-power nuclear power plant unit with a RITM-200N reactor. Pavel Bezrukov, Vice President and Director of the NPP Construction Project in the Republic of Uzbekistan at JSC Atomstroyexport (the Engineering Division of the Rosatom State Corporation), and Abdizhamil Kalmuratov, Director of the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction in the Republic of Uzbekistan, launched the concrete work. Approximately 900 cubic meters of concrete will be poured during the concrete foundation work for the reactor building, scheduled for completion in April 2026. Following this phase, the foundation for the reactor building will be leveled, waterproofed, and grounded. The next key event at the construction site will be the pouring of the first concrete for the reactor building’s foundation slab
In anticipation of concrete work, permission to use the site for two power units with two RITM-200N reactor units was received. This important decision formalizes the selected location and allows for the commencement of full-scale construction of a small nuclear power plant within the approved combined nuclear power plant configuration. The permission was issued in accordance with national regulations and international safety standards.
“”The signing of the roadmap and agreement for the construction of the integrated nuclear power plant, and the subsequent commencement of concrete work at the site, mark Uzbekistan‘s emergence as a leader in global nuclear energy. The country is launching a unique project that will contribute to socioeconomic growth and strengthen its technological sovereignty for decades to come. For Rosatom, the project in Uzbekistan is another important step in the development of nuclear energy and in strengthening friendly relations with our strategic partners,” said Alexey Likhachev.
Conference participants at the Rosatom stand were also able to learn about the state corporation’s experience in isotope production: today, Rosatom is one of the world’s top five suppliers and produces the widest range of radionuclides.
