Uzbekistan and Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy giant Rosatom will collaborate on the construction of both large-capacity and small-scale nuclear power plants, marking a significant expansion in bilateral energy cooperation. The announcement followed a meeting of the intergovernmental working group on trade turnover, held during the Tashkent International Investment Forum.
According to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the updated agreement includes the development of a two-unit large-capacity nuclear power plant alongside the previously agreed two-unit small modular reactor (SMR) facility.
“Last year, we launched the construction of a small-capacity nuclear power plant. This year, the heads of state agreed to reshape the project, expanding it to include both large and small facilities,” the ministry stated.
The meeting was co-chaired by Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev confirmed earlier in April that construction of Uzbekistan’s first small nuclear plant could begin within a year. He added that Rosatom is fully prepared with technical designs and financial models for large-scale nuclear facilities, should Uzbekistan proceed with their development.
TheSMR project, first agreed upon in spring 2024, is a landmark for Rosatom—it marks the company’s first international SMR deployment. A protocol signed in late 2024 outlined the preparation of technical design and project documentation.
The small nuclear facility will feature six SMRs, each with a 55-megawatt capacity. Construction is expected to start in summer 2025, with commissioning taking place gradually between 2029 and 2033. The site has already been approved by the Uzbek government, and financing will be provided by Uzbekistan, with no Russian loans currently planned.
This dual-reactor approach aligns with Uzbekistan’s goal to diversify its energy mix and ensure long-term energy security through clean and reliable nuclear power.