Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The development of nuclear energy in Uzbekistan will have a powerful multiplicative impact on the economy, fostering the creation of new industries and jobs. This statement was made by Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director of the Agency for the Development of Nuclear Energy ("Uzatom"), at the conference "Nuclear Horizons: Deployment of SMRs and Integrated Energy Systems," held in Tashkent.

The event was organized by the Central Asian branch of the New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI).

In his speech, Akhmedkhadjaev emphasized that the energy sector is undergoing deep transformation. Global challenges such as climate change and ensuring sustainable energy supply require comprehensive solutions, with nuclear energy playing a key role due to its safety, efficiency, and environmental cleanliness. For Uzbekistan, the development of nuclear energy is becoming a strategically important direction that can significantly accelerate economic growth.

The head of Uzatom pointed out that nuclear energy opens up new opportunities for modernizing the country’s energy infrastructure.

He stated that one of the priorities is the introduction of small modular reactors (SMRs), which combine innovative technologies and the ability to integrate into the local energy system. This will allow the creation of integrated energy systems that combine nuclear, renewable, and traditional energy, which in turn will ensure the reliability of energy supply, reduce the carbon footprint, and meet modern environmental standards. The implementation of SMRs in Uzbekistan will also create conditions for strengthening regional energy networks, he noted.

Akhmedkhadjaev highlighted that natural gas is used to produce 80% of electricity in Uzbekistan. Redirecting some of this gas to the petrochemical industry will help preserve natural resources and produce high-value-added products, which will be a significant step in developing the petrochemical sector, he said.

Special emphasis is placed on energy security and reducing dependence on carbon-based energy sources in the project. The introduction of nuclear power plants will contribute to the creation of new jobs and stimulate the development of various sectors of the economy.

An important aspect is also the development of educational programs to train qualified specialists in the field of nuclear energy. Since 2018, initiatives in this area have been actively developing in Uzbekistan, including the establishment of a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI in Tashkent, which will become a scientific and educational center for countries interested in the application of small reactors, said Azim Akhmedkhadjaev.

It is worth noting that in May 2024, Uzbekistan and Russia signed an agreement to build a small-scale nuclear power plant based on the Russian project in the Jizzakh region. The first SMR unit is scheduled to launch in Uzbekistan by the end of 2029.

The plant, with a capacity of 330 MW, will be equipped with up to six RITM-200N reactors, each with an electrical capacity of 55 MW.

The project is being implemented with Rosatom acting as the general contractor, along with the involvement of local companies.

The RITM-200N is an advanced Russian development based on the adaptation of nuclear fleet technologies for land-based applications. The reactors have a service life of up to 60 years, and their efficiency and reliability are confirmed by their operation on nuclear icebreakers in the Arctic.