Addressing an international conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Energy Minister, Umid Mamadaminov, said: “Going nuclear is not only a solution for grid stability; it’s also a strategic investment for the country.” Currently, 88% of Uzbekistan’s electricity is generated from natural gas, but gas resources are becoming depleted and electricity demand is expected to double by 2030. “Natural gas resources are becoming less every year. We need another alternative source of energy, and nuclear is one of the best solutions for that,” Mamadaminov added.
Uzbekistan, the fifth-largest uranium producer globally, has vast reserves that will play a crucial role in its nuclear energy development. In 2022, the country produced 3,500 tonnes of uranium, primarily through in-situ leaching (ISL). It is then processed at the Navoi Mining & Metallurgy Combinat to produce yellowcake (U3O8). “Nuclear energy not only supports our energy independence, but it allows us to leverage our natural uranium reserves for national economic growth,” Mamadaminov said.
Uzbekistan is also exploring the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer high safety, adaptability, and lower implementation costs. Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, Uzatom, told the conference that 14 potential sites for SMRs have been identified, with further studies planned to determine the most suitable locations. “SMRs can be built near consumers due to their smaller footprint and reduced exclusion zones,” he said, adding that the SMRs will also play a role in heating and industrial steam production.
Andrey Petrov, Rosatom’s First Deputy General Director told the conference that work was already underway on the SMR project. “The contract has already been signed. We are at the stage of its implementation, with active pre-design and project kick-off underway. We are already starting site preparation work.”
In 2018, Uzbekistan and Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation for the construction of a NPP in Uzbekistan. In September, Uzatom, signed a protocol with Atomstroyexport (Rosatom’s Engineering Division) launching the start of site preparation and the development of design and licensing documentation. The initial contract, signed in May during the visit to Uzbekistan of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is for the construction of a 330 MWe low powered NPP (ASMM – Atomnoi Stantsii Maloi Moshnosti) in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan. It will comprise six units with RITM-200N water-cooled reactors based on nuclear powered icebreaker technology. The first unit is scheduled to begin operation in late 2029 with the other units commissioned consecutively.
