Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev officially launched construction of Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant on June 4, 2026, in a ceremony held during Mirziyoyev's visit to Russia and on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum [1, 2].
The plant will be built by Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, using advanced Russian technology, and will be located in the Jizzakh Region of eastern Uzbekistan near the borders with Tajikistan and Kazakhstan [1, 2]. It is the first nuclear power plant built in Central Asia since the Soviet era [2].
The hybrid facility will consist of two large reactors of approximately 1,000 megawatts each and two small modular reactors (SMRs) of about 55 megawatts each [1, 2]. Upon completion, it is expected to supply around 15% of Uzbekistan’s national electricity demand [2].
Putin described the project as a milestone and a "vivid manifestation of the 'friendship and alliance' between Russia and Uzbekistan," calling it a flagship high-tech project demonstrating the dynamic development of their strategic partnership [1, 2]. He acknowledged Mirziyoyev's long personal involvement, saying, "I am confident that you chose the option that is most suitable for Uzbekistan from all those that were proposed" [1].
Mirziyoyev called the launch a historic day, emphasizing the growing energy needs of Uzbekistan’s expanding economy. He said, "For the first time in history, Rosatom is building a hybrid station: two small units and two large units. We worked toward this for a long time, discussed it extensively and finally arrived at what we believe is the right decision" [1]. He also noted Uzbekistan’s position as a leading uranium producer and reaffirmed nuclear energy’s role in the country’s long-term development plans [1].
The project includes Russian financing and loans to support the construction [2]. During the visit, the leaders also discussed broader economic cooperation and highlighted rising Russian investment and trade with Uzbekistan [1].
The plant’s location near regional borders and Russian involvement are viewed as part of Moscow’s strategy to maintain influence in Central Asia amid competition from the US and China [2].
The next major milestone will be the ongoing construction progress and formal milestones expected in the coming years, as Uzbekistan moves to bring its first nuclear power facility online.
