According to Azim Ahmedkhadzhayev, head of Uzbekistan’s atomic energy agency Uzatom, the technical launch of the country’s first small modular reactor (SMR) is scheduled for October–November 2029.
In an interview with the Alibaev.Politika YouTube channel, Ahmedkhadzhayev outlined the phased development plan for Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy program. Six months after the first SMR enters operation, a second reactor of the same type will be brought online. At the same time, the first large-scale nuclear reactor is expected to begin commercial operation in 2033, with the entire integrated nuclear power plant complex scheduled for full completion between 2034 and 2035.
The agency head emphasized that safety standards remain the overriding priority, and construction speed must be subordinate to safety. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts regularly supervise work at the construction site, and two additional specialized inspection missions are planned for this year. He noted that because nuclear facilities must operate for decades, every phase of the project must strictly comply with international safety regulations, and Uzbekistan is advancing steadily according to the established timeline without rushing.
The integrated nuclear power project stems from an updated configuration agreement signed between Uzatom and Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom. The design accommodates both small-scale and large-scale capacity at the same site, with a total installed capacity exceeding 2.1 gigawatts. This includes a 2-gigawatt large nuclear power plant consisting of two Generation III+ VVER-1000 units, and a 110-megawatt small nuclear plant powered by two 55-megawatt RITM-200N reactors.
Construction is currently underway in the Farish district of Jizzakh region. Following completion of excavation work for the RITM-200N reactor pit, contractors have begun pouring the first layer of foundation concrete to form the structural base, waterproofing, and grounding systems. A symbolic first-concrete-pouring ceremony formally marked the project’s entry into the full-scale construction phase.
Uzbekistan regards nuclear power as an important strategic measure to diversify its energy mix and ensure long-term energy security. The combination of small modular reactors and large nuclear generating units will help meet the country’s growing domestic electricity demand while leaving room for future regional energy cooperation.
Source: Kun.uz