Uzbekistan’s nuclear power plant project in the Jizzakh region is expected to generate up to 2 trillion rubles (approximately $24.7 billion) in orders for Russian enterprises, according to Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev. The announcement comes as Uzatom and Rosatom signed additional agreements on March 24, while concrete pouring has already begun at the construction site in the Forish district.
Why are there questions about the project’s cost?
The scale of the reported economic impact has raised concerns about inconsistencies in the project’s valuation. In March 2025, Uzatom director Azim Akhmedkhodjayev stated that the cost of the small nuclear power plant would not exceed $2 billion. However, the much larger figure now cited reflects broader industrial orders rather than the plant’s direct construction cost.
What economic benefits does Russia expect?
According to Likhachev, the project will create around 1,000 jobs in Russia and deliver strong returns. He noted that each ruble invested during construction could return up to 1.5 rubles to the Russian economy, increasing to 2 rubles during the plant’s operational phase.
How much local involvement is planned?
Despite significant orders going to Russian companies, Uzbek officials emphasized local participation. Current plans suggest localization levels will reach approximately 29–30%, meaning a portion of materials and services will be sourced domestically.
What are the technical features of the project?
The updated design in the Forish district includes two small modular reactors (RITM-200N, 55 MW each) and two large reactors (VVER-1000). This makes Uzbekistan the first country to combine two different nuclear technologies at a single site, with a total planned capacity of 2.1 GW.
How has the project evolved over time?
Since initial discussions began in 2017, the project has undergone several changes. Early plans in 2018 envisioned large units worth $11 billion, while progress slowed between 2020 and 2023. In 2024, the focus shifted to a smaller plant before expanding again in 2025 to include both small and large reactors.
What is expected by 2035?
According to Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, the combined nuclear facility will generate around 15.2 billion kWh of electricity annually by 2035. This output could cover roughly 15% of Uzbekistan’s current electricity consumption, significantly strengthening the country’s energy security.