Uzbekistan Advances Nuclear Power Plant Project, Seeks to Diversify Beyond Russia

Uzbekistan is accelerating its nuclear power plant (NPP) construction project, aiming to meet its growing domestic energy demands. According to the Uzbek atomic energy agency (Uzatom), the first small modular reactor (SMR) is slated for commissioning in 2029, followed by the first large reactor in 2033. The entire project is expected to be completed between 2034 and 2035. The NPP is projected to supply up to 17 billion kWh of electricity annually, accounting for approximately 20 percent of Uzbekistan's total energy production. While the need for a nuclear power plant was recognized by the country's first president, Islam Karimov, concrete steps were never taken. However, the current president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, moved swiftly, signing an agreement with Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom in December 2017 to build two reactors. In September 2025, an agreement was formally signed to construct an integrated NPP in Jizzakh region, featuring two SMRs (RITM-200N type, each 55 MW) and two large VVER-1000 reactors (each 1 GW). The total project cost, initially estimated at $10-13 billion, has been revised to a maximum of $9.5 billion. Nevertheless, this figure remains significant for Uzbekistan, whose external debt already exceeds $82 billion. Uzbekistan plans to finance 85-90 percent of the construction costs through external loans and is actively seeking to diversify its funding sources beyond Russia, particularly given the current geopolitical climate. Officials have stated that Russian financing is not currently being considered. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled readiness to offer preferential export loans and support throughout the plant's lifecycle, suggesting that Uzbekistan is exploring multiple avenues. To mitigate reliance on Russia in construction and operation, Uzbekistan aims to form an international consortium, incorporating not only Russian technology but also Chinese non-nuclear technologies and European software and hardware. The country emphasizes that the project is under the strict supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signaling a commitment to transparency and international scrutiny. This approach appears to be a strategic move to protect the project from potential impacts of sanctions, drawing lessons from the Akkuyu NPP project in Turkey, which has faced challenges due to sanctions on Rosatom. By involving diverse partners and lenders, Uzbekistan aims to avoid a similar fate. Questions also arise regarding the utilization of the generated electricity. While promoted as necessary for domestic demand, a significant portion of the NPP's output may be exported to neighboring countries to expedite loan repayment and generate revenue. Uzbekistan has already transitioned from being an electricity importer to an exporter, with increasing electricity exports to its neighbors. Source: The Diplomat Indonesia