Harnessing Potential: Central Asia as a Leader in Nuclear Power Development

Central Asia has the potential for significant growth in nuclear power, according to the UK-based think tank New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI). The region could emerge as a leader in expanding nuclear capacity.

Tim Yeo, the head of NNWI, believes Central Asia might surpass Europe and the United States in the number of new nuclear reactors. Following the rapid growth of nuclear power in East and South Asia, primarily driven by China, India, and Russia, Central Asia is well-positioned to become the next center for nuclear development. Additionally, the region is exploring the introduction of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Yeo points out that Central Asia has advantages over OECD countries, where nuclear power faces numerous political and regulatory challenges. He argues that the countries in this region can create a favourable environment for developing nuclear programs, accelerating the transition to clean energy and fostering economic growth.

Furthermore, Yeo noted that if the low-power nuclear plant in Uzbekistan, based on Russian RITM-200 technology, is connected to the grid as scheduled, it could become the world’s first successful export project in the small modular reactor segment.

He emphasised that, so far, only Russia has launched a floating nuclear power plant in the world: the Akademik Lomonosov. With the ACP100 project, China is expected to become the second country to operate a modular nuclear reactor (MMR), surpassing the United States and Europe.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that foreign companies will be involved in the NPP project in Uzbekistan.