Uzbekistan advances preparations for its first nuclear power plant

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Jizzakh Region, where preparatory work is under way for the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant. The visit also included an assessment of the region’s development potential, which is set to be closely linked to the power plant project.

The planned nuclear power plant is set to comprise four reactor units:

• • 2 large VVER-1000 pressurized water reactor units, each with an electrical capacity of 1000 MWe,
  • 2 small modular reactors (SMRs) of the RITM-200N type, each with an electrical capacity of 55 MWe.

The original plan called for six RITM-200N reactors with a total capacity of 330 MWe. However, under an agreement signed in late September during World Atomic Week in Moscow, the project was revised to its current configuration of two large VVER-1000 reactors and two SMRs.

Preparatory work at the site

Excavation work at the construction site for the RITM-200N small modular reactors began in October. Around 1.5 million m³ of soil is to be excavated for a 13-meter-deep foundation pit.

Other site preparations are also under way, including work on the foundation slab—leveling the ground, pouring concrete and installing reinforcement—and preparations for worker facilities. A temporary residential complex for construction workers has been built at the site.

The design documentation is due to be submitted for review by the end of the year. Rosatom said in October that the first concrete pour for the initial SMR unit is scheduled for March 2026.

A single-industry town for plant staff

During the visit, the president was also presented with plans to locate production of the construction materials needed for the nuclear power plant and to expand the training of specialist staff at higher education institutions.

The concept includes building a so-called single-industry town for future plant employees and their families.

The new town, with a population of around 10,000, is to be located about 16 km from the plant and is expected to have complete infrastructure, including services and other civic amenities.

RITM-200N reactor specifications

The RITM-200N is a water-cooled pressurized water reactor derived from technology used in Russian nuclear icebreakers.

The reactor’s basic specifications for land-based deployment are:

• • thermal capacity of 190 MWt,
  • electrical capacity of 55 MWe,
  • design life of 60 years.

The first unit with an RITM-200N reactor is expected to reach criticality at the end of 2029.

This is Russia’s first export order for small modular reactors of this type. The first land-based plant with RITM-200N reactors is currently under construction in Russia’s Yakutia, where the first unit is scheduled to start up in 2027.

President: a new impetus for regional development

The construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant is one of the key projects expected to bring long-term economic development to the region, create new jobs and support the development of industry and education.