Russia will build two nuclear power plants in Uzbekistan

Russia plans to implement a project to build two nuclear power plants simultaneously in Uzbekistan. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This was announced by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov at an event held at the Uzbek Embassy in Russia on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence. According to him, this project is a complex and important initiative being implemented for the first time in the field of nuclear energy in Central Asia.

According to the plan, one plant will have a large capacity, while the other will be built on a smaller scale. These two types of NPPs are recognized as the first client project in the Central Asian region.

Currently, the Russian and Uzbek sides are discussing the technical and financial aspects of the project. The construction process will be carried out step by step, with the capacity and technological capabilities of each plant planned to be ensured at an optimal level.

Special attention is also being paid to ensuring a high level of localization. In an interview given in April, Rosatom head Aleksey Likhachyov stated that concrete pouring works within the framework of the small NPP construction would begin within a year.

As for the large NPP, it was mentioned that there are prepared proposals regarding the financial model, organizational issues, and opportunities for extensive use of local production. The small NPP is Russia's first export project abroad in Uzbekistan.

The two countries reached an agreement last spring, and in autumn, a protocol was signed to start technical documentation and project work. According to previous plans, each plant consists of six reactors with a capacity of 55 megawatts each.

Construction work is expected to begin this summer, and the plants are planned to be launched gradually between 2029 and 2033. At the same time, according to the head of Rosatom, the project financing will be borne by Uzbekistan, and currently, Russian credit is not being considered.

Ryabkov emphasized that the construction of nuclear power plants will attract modern technologies to Uzbekistan and create significant opportunities in the energy sector. This project will not only strengthen the country's energy system but also serve to enhance Uzbekistan's investment and technological reputation on the international stage.

The construction of this NPP, being implemented for the first time in Central Asia, will mark a new era in the field of nuclear energy in the region (source: zamin.uz).