Construction of the first nuclear power plant begins in Uzbekistan

The base cost of building the nuclear power plant will amount to $9.5 billion

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV and President of Russia Vladimir PUTIN launched the construction of the first power unit of the integrated nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, reports Kazinform.

The ceremony was held via teleconference. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael GROSSI, also took part.

According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, the implementation of the project lays the foundation for the development of a new industry – nuclear energy.

The symbolic button to start construction of the first power unit was entrusted to local students. This highlighted the special role of young specialists who will be responsible for developing the country’s nuclear sector in the future.

The nuclear power plant will be located in the Jizzakh region. The project is unique, as for the first time both small and large-capacity nuclear power plants will be built on one site.

As stated by the head of “Uzatom” Azim AKHMEDKHADZHAYEV, the base cost of constructing the integrated nuclear power plant will be $9.5 billion.

Russia will provide Uzbekistan with a preferential export loan for the construction of the nuclear power plant.

It is noted that once operational, the station will annually produce about 17 billion kilowatt-hours of energy, covering up to 15 percent of Uzbekistan’s energy consumption.

It should be recalled that Uzbekistan signed a contract with “Rosatom” for the design, supply, and construction of a small-capacity nuclear power plant in May 2024 in Tashkent during the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Photo: screenshot from video.

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