Uzbekistan is the first Central Asian country to initiate the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP), planning a 330 MW facility in the Jizzakh region, according to Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director of Uzbekistan's Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom).
The plant will feature six reactors, each with a 55 MW capacity, to meet the growing electricity demand driven by the country's population of 40 million and a GDP growth rate of 7-8%.
Russia's Rosatom will serve as the main contractor, with construction expected to start soon and commissioning projected in phases by 2033.
This project represents a collaboration between Uzbekistan and Russia, and there are opportunities for international participation in infrastructure development.
Emphasizing safety and reliability, Uzatom prioritized commercial objectives over political considerations when selecting Rosatom's technologies, which are deemed among the safest globally.
Since signing an Intergovernmental Agreement in 2018, Uzbekistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.
In conclusion, the project symbolizes a significant step toward sustainable energy in the region.