Russia and Uzbekistan have officially launched construction of a new nuclear energy facility in Uzbekistan, marking the first nuclear power plant project of its kind in post-Soviet Central Asia. The development is intended to support rising electricity demand across the region. The start of construction was overseen by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev through a video link from St. Petersburg, where the two leaders were attending Russia’s annual economic forum. The project represents a major step in energy cooperation between the two countries and forms part of broader efforts to expand power generation capacity in Uzbekistan.
Located in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region, near the borders with Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, the facility will incorporate a combination of large-scale and small modular reactor technologies. The design includes two large reactors capable of producing approximately 1,000 megawatts each, alongside two small modular reactors with an output of about 55 megawatts each. The Uzbekistan Nuclear Plant is expected to provide roughly 15% of the country’s electricity requirements once operational. Construction is being carried out by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom using Russian technology and financing support, including a Russian loan package.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Putin highlighted the significance of the project for bilateral relations. He stated, “The fact that Russia and Uzbekistan are implementing such a truly flagship, high-tech project is a vivid example of the friendship and alliance between our two countries and demonstrates the successful and dynamic development of the Russian-Uzbek strategic partnership.” The initiative further strengthens cooperation between Moscow and Tashkent in the energy sector while introducing advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, into Uzbekistan’s power mix.
The project follows another major regional nuclear agreement reached last month, when Russia signed a deal with Kazakhstan to build that country’s first nuclear power plant at an estimated cost of about $16.5 billion, partly financed through a significant Russian export loan. The Uzbekistan Nuclear Plant also reflects Moscow’s continued engagement in Central Asia, a region rich in energy resources and critical minerals, as Russia seeks to maintain its influence while both China and the United States continue expanding their presence across the region.