How Is Construction of NPP in Uzbekistan Progressing

In June 2023, the Uzbekistan Nuclear Energy Agency (UzAtom) and the Russian company Rosatom signed a protocol to initiate the construction of a small nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region. The first reactor unit will start operations by the end of 2029, with all units expected to be operational by 2033. Otabek Amanov, head of the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate at UzAtom, shared details about the ongoing efforts to build the nuclear power plant.

Photo: Khusen Rustamov / Pixabay

Current work by the directorate

A nuclear power plant consists of two main components: the facility itself and an auxiliary town that will support its operations. Currently, our experts assess the natural conditions surrounding the construction site. They are conducting agrometeorological, hydrological, hydrogeological, and seismological studies.

We are also preparing a Technical and Economic Justification (TEO) for the project in collaboration with the Russian delegation. This justification is essential for the construction of any facility. At the same time, experts are refining the TEO for the construction and assembly base, as well as the workers’ accommodation camp.

In terms of environmental protection, we are developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of the project. These documents are necessary to begin the construction of the nuclear power plant itself. Additionally, a regularly updated safety report plays a vital role in this process. We require these documents to obtain the necessary approvals for establishing the nuclear power plant at the selected site and to secure the appropriate construction and operating licences.

Accomplishments and plans until the end of 2025

Preparations for constructing the workers’ accommodation camp are underway at the site. We plan to start building the construction and assembly base and the accommodation camp by the end of 2024. To commence the construction of the nuclear power plant, we also need to establish a rebar and concrete mixing plant, garages for special equipment, and other essential facilities on-site.

In 2025, we will continue developing the TEO, the Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR), and the Environmental Impact Statement Report (EIS). We also plan to install the reactor, turbines, generators, and other necessary equipment on-site. Following these processes, constructing the first reactor will take approximately 36 to 40 months.

We aim to collaborate with various companies on the project; however, a general contractor will primarily manage the construction of the nuclear power plant. Hungarian and Chinese companies also pay significant attention to this project, with Chinese enterprises showing considerable interest in supplying turbine equipment, generators, and other essential components.

Investment in the Nuclear Power Plant

Currently, we are negotiating with European, Russian, and local banks. We have not yet finalised any agreements regarding financing or attracting investments for the project.

Uzbekistan seeks the best offers from financial institutions, as the nuclear power plant represents a strategically important initiative. The Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate does not have the authority to accept or reject commercial proposals; the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan and the Central Bank of the Republic will handle these matters.

Rosatom vs. UzAtom: who will have the largest share in NPPs

The nuclear power plant will fully belong to Uzbekistan and serve as the property of the Republic.

Rosatom and UzAtom have signed several agreements related to the construction of the nuclear power plant, workforce training, management of nuclear fuel and its export, and the maintenance of the plant.

The used nuclear fuel will go to Russia for processing, with some of it returning to Uzbekistan for further use.

Currently, 100 future specialists from Uzbekistan are undergoing training in Tashkent. Additionally, approximately 500 Uzbek students will complete a two-year training programme in Russia, followed by further courses lasting another two years.