Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has officially approved the siting plan for a Small Modular Nuclear Power Plant (SMNPP) to be built in cooperation with Russia’s state corporation Rosatom.

According to the press service of the Uzbekistan Agency for Atomic Energy (Uzatom) under the Cabinet of Ministers, the decision was made during a joint session of the project’s operational headquarters and scientific-technical council, chaired by Alisher Sultanov, Presidential Advisor on Energy Security.

Under the approved plan, the SMNPP will be located in the Farish District of Jizzakh Region. This site was chosen to ensure optimal adaptation of the project to local conditions and to deliver efficient power generation tailored to the region’s energy needs.

During the session, a detailed presentation was delivered outlining the implementation progress of the project, which is being carried out under contract with Atomstroyexport JSC. The presentation included key design phases, preparatory work, and ongoing coordination with international partners. Special emphasis was placed on the stable execution of contractual obligations and the importance of adhering strictly to project timelines.

The meeting also addressed the use of Uzbekistan’s natural uranium reserves to produce nuclear fuel. Experts believe this approach will enhance the project’s economic efficiency and strengthen the country’s energy independence.

As a reminder, in May 2024, Uzbekistan signed its first-ever export contract in the field of nuclear energy, paving the way for the construction of an SMNPP. The future facility in Jizzakh Region will have a total capacity of 330 MW, featuring six RITM-200N reactor units with 55 MW capacity each.

Rosatom will serve as the general contractor, with the involvement of Uzbek companies. The selected site has already passed preliminary safety assessments. In September 2024, Uzatom and Atomstroyexport signed a protocol launching the project’s preparatory phase. The official construction license is expected to be issued in early 2026.