The launch of the first unit of a small nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region is scheduled for 2029; the other six units are expected to be operational by 2033. The station will be constructed near the village of Uchquloch, Forish district, which lies on Lake Tuzkan. A Kursiv reporter investigated the progress of pre-construction and gathered the opinions of local residents.
In May 2024, Uzbekistan and Russia signed agreements to construct a low-power nuclear station, with Rosatom as the general contractor. Analysis work, the construction of a rotational camp for specialists and infrastructure are set to commence in late August or early September.
The nuclear station will be built approximately 8-10 km from the village of Uchquloch and is expected to have a total capacity of 330 MW, featuring six reactors with a capacity of 55 MW each.
The engineering research company Uzgashkliti carries out engineering and geological surveys at prospective construction sites.
Оne of the residents of the village Alijon believes that the construction of a station will bring about convenient infrastructure for the region, new jobs, an increase in energy capacity and other opportunities for the local population.
According to other residents, the electricity voltage exceeds 200 kW in winter and drops by half in summer, sometimes below 100 kW, which is insufficient for air conditioners and other equipment.
“It is caused by water pumps that farmers have installed to irrigate their lands,” explained one of the locals to the Kursiv reporter.
He asserted, “Let’s expedite the nuclear power station construction. It will create jobs, stabilise the electricity supply and enhance living and working conditions.”
Locals also stressed that fishing in Aydarkul Lake is vital for livelihood, yet the authorities now require a license. Concurrently, the practice of cattle breeding is also gradually disappearing.
Residents have complained about poor transport accessibility. There are no buses or taxis between the village and the district. Additionally, the road from Forish to Uchquloch is in poor condition.
As a result, locals are looking forward to future changes related to the construction of a nuclear power plant.
According to experts, the countries’ demand for electricity will double by 2030. Meeting this demand is a huge challenge. Constructing a nuclear power station is the most effective way to solve this complex problem.
The president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated, “Almost all leading countries in the world ensure their energy security and sustainable development through nuclear energy. This project is a new stage of development, and it is vital for our country’s prospects, as we have large uranium reserves and export this metal to third countries.”
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the construction of nuclear power plants in Uzbekistan will begin in the summer of 2024.
