Uzbekistan is undertaking “extensive preparations” for a second nuclear power plant project, president Shavkat Mirziyoyev said on 17 August in Khorezm region during a ceremony marking the launch of new investment projects.
On this day, he launched 12 projects worth $176 million and construction of another 15 facilities worth $7.424 billion. The projects are expected to create 6,600 jobs.
Speaking about major energy and infrastructure projects, Mirziyoyev referred to the nuclear power plant currently under construction in Jizzakh region.
“Ahead of the 35th anniversary of our homeland (1 September — Gazeta), you can see for yourselves what reforms we are carrying out and what projects we are implementing. Could we ever have imagined that there would be a nuclear power plant in Jizzakh?” he asked.
The president then announced that preparations were underway for another nuclear power plant. “Today, I want to tell you a secret: we are currently undertaking extensive preparations for the second plant as well,” he said.
The location, capacity and timeline of the proposed second plant have not yet been disclosed.
Mirziyoyev said energy projects were needed to provide investors with a reliable electricity supply and clear operating conditions.
“Why do investors come here? What is their first question? 'I will bring my investment, but what will the price of electricity be? What guarantees will there be?' Therefore, if we do not implement our strategy through 2030, ensure a guaranteed electricity supply and take measures to reduce costs, who will come to us? No one, ever,” he said.
The first small modular reactor of Uzbekistan’s future nuclear power plant is scheduled for a technical launch in October-November 2029, with the second reactor expected six months later. The first large power unit is planned to enter service in 2033, while the entire project is expected to be completed in 2034−2035. The plant will have a total capacity of 2,110 MW and is expected to generate up to 17 billion kWh of electricity annually.
The project includes four power units at a single site: two VVER-1000 reactor units, each with a capacity of 1 GW, and two RITM-200N small modular reactors, each rated at 55 MW. The project’s base cost is estimated at some $9.5 billion, with most of the financing expected to come from loans, including a preferential Russian export credit. Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear power corporation, will supply nuclear fuel, provide maintenance services and handle spent nuclear material.
