Uzbekistan - World Nuclear Outlook Report
Nuclear policy and outlook
During a May 2024 state visit to Uzbekistan by Russian President Vladimir Putin, a contract was signed for Rosatom to construct a six-unit small modular reactor plant in the Jizzakh region, based on the 55 MWe RITM-200N. In September 2025 an agreement was signed confirming that the Jizzakh project would now consist of two VVER-1000 units and two RITM-200N units, together with key terms for future fuel supply contracts. Excavation for the first RITM-200N reactor building began in October 2025 and a nuclear site licence was granted in March 2026.
In June 2026 the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety issued a construction licence for the first RITM-200N unit, which is scheduled to reach criticality in late 2029. The two VVER-1000 units are planned to follow in about 2033 and 2035.
Table Uz.2 Contributions to total capacity projection in 2050 (gross)
| 60 year operation (MWe) | 80 year operation (MWe) | Currently under construction capacity (MWe) | Planned capacity (MWe) | Proposed capacity (MWe) | Potential capacity (MWe) | Government capacity target (MWe) | Additional capacity* required to meet government target (MWe) | Total capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 2110 | - | - | - | - | 2110 |
| *Capacity additional to operable, under construction, planned, proposed and potential capacities required to meet the government target. | ||||||||
Readiness Assessment
Uzbekistan has strong political backing and its first SMR is about to start construction, but the country has no experience of licensing or operating power reactors.
| Country Category | Newcomer |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework Readiness | High Government commitment has moved through legislation, contract, site, public consultation and an enlarged first plant configuration. |
| Institutional & Infrastructure Readiness | Moderate-High Uzbekistan has a dedicated programme agency, independent regulatory body, but no commercial power reactor operating experience. |
| Programme & Project Development | High Construction of the first RITM-200N unit was approved in June 2026 and site work has commenced. |
| Target Achievability | Moderate-High The complete 2110 GWe project is now agreed and preliminary construction has begun, although the 2029-35 deadlines are demanding. In addition, although a financial framework in place, full project financing is still in progress. |