Auxiliary works begin for modular nuclear project in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has launched the construction of auxiliary buildings for its future modular nuclear reactor, the first export project for the Russian RITM-200N technology.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Uzbekistan has commenced preparatory work on support buildings for its first small modular nuclear reactor project in the Jizzakh region. These facilities include industrial and administrative structures, along with warehouses and large-scale assembly workshops required throughout the duration of the project.

A structured Russo-Uzbek partnership since 2024

The project stems from a contract signed in May 2024 during the official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Uzbekistan. It involves the construction of a 330 megawatt nuclear power plant based on six units of the RITM-200N pressurised water reactor. This model is adapted from the technology used aboard Russian nuclear icebreakers, offering a thermal output of 190 megawatts and an electrical capacity of 55 megawatts. Each unit is designed for a service life of 60 years.

Staggered timeline and proven technologies

The first reactor is scheduled to reach criticality by the end of 2029, with subsequent units entering operation in stages. This represents the first export contract for the Russian technology. A land-based version of the RITM-200N is already under construction in Yakutsk, Russia, with commissioning planned for 2027. Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation overseeing the initiative, highlights the use of combined active and passive safety systems to ensure high safety standards.

Project leaders’ statements

Pavel Bezrukov, Vice President and Director of the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Project in the Republic of Uzbekistan at Atomstroyexport JSC, stated that documentation work is ongoing. He emphasised that the initiative draws on decades of experience operating Russian-designed reactors and will guarantee a stable electricity supply for Uzbekistan for decades to come.

Otabek Amanov, Deputy Director of the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, underscored the compactness and efficiency of the technology, developed from long-term, incident-free operations. According to him, the RITM-200N is a suitable solution for the region’s sustainable energy needs.

Background and outlook for Uzbekistan’s nuclear programme

Uzbekistan signed an agreement in 2017 with Russia to build two VVER-1200 pressurised water reactors. Separate discussions remain ongoing for the potential development of a large-scale nuclear power plant with an estimated capacity of around 2.5 gigawatts, to complement the modular reactor deployment.

Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.