Russia Begins Construction of Uzbekistan's First Nuclear Power Plant

The Kremlin announced the commencement of construction on Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant, marking the first of its kind in post-Soviet Central Asia. The project aims to address the increasing energy demand in the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev jointly oversaw the start of the construction via a video link from Saint Petersburg. Their discussions took place on the sidelines of Putin's annual major economic forum.

The plant is located in the Jizzakh region in central-eastern Uzbekistan, bordering Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, according to Reuters.

The design of the facility combines two types of nuclear reactors: two large units each with an output capacity of approximately 1000 megawatts, alongside two small modular reactors, each generating about 55 megawatts.

Putin stated that the nuclear power plant, expected to supply around 15% of Uzbekistan’s energy needs, is being constructed by the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom using Russian technology, including the small modular reactors. The project is financed through a loan.

Addressing Mirziyoyev, Putin said, "The implementation of such a high-tech pioneering project by Russia and Uzbekistan is a vivid example of the friendship and alliance between our countries, demonstrating the successful and dynamic development of the Russian-Uzbek strategic partnership."

Last month, Russia signed an agreement with Kazakhstan to build the first nuclear power plant in Central Asia's largest country, with a cost nearing $16.5 billion, partially covered by a large export loan from Moscow.

Moscow regards Central Asia, rich in energy resources and vital minerals, as a traditional sphere of its interests, even as China and the United States expand their influence in the region.