Wedoany.com Report-Dec.7, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Jizzakh region to explore new development opportunities and review progress on Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant. During the visit, he emphasised the region's growing potential and positive changes in local communities.

Construction activities are advancing at the plant site, where excavation for the reactor foundation pit began in October 2025. The facility will feature two Russian-designed RITM-200N small modular reactors, each with 55 MW capacity, alongside two VVER-1000 reactors, each delivering 1,000 MW. The updated project configuration was confirmed through an agreement signed in late September 2025 at World Atomic Week in Moscow.

President Mirziyoyev was briefed on ongoing preparatory works. These include site levelling, concrete placement, reinforcement installation, and the completion of a temporary residential complex for construction personnel. Approximately 1.5 million cubic metres of soil will be removed to create a 13-metre-deep pit for the RITM-200N units.

Plans were presented to localise production of construction materials needed for the plant and to expand specialised training programmes at higher education institutions. A concept was also shared for a new residential community located 16 kilometres from the site. Designed for 10,000 residents, primarily plant specialists and their families, the mono-city will include comprehensive infrastructure, social facilities, and essential services.

Engineering surveys and design work continue, with documentation scheduled for submission by the end of 2025. Rosatom announced in October that first concrete for the initial small modular reactor is planned for March 2026. The first RITM-200N unit is expected to reach criticality by late 2029.

The RITM-200N is a compact water-cooled reactor adapted from technology used in Russian nuclear icebreakers. It generates 190 MW thermal or 55 MW electric power and has a designed operational life of 60 years. This project marks the first international deployment of the land-based RITM-200N design. A similar unit is currently under construction in Yakut, Russia, with commissioning scheduled for 2027.

The nuclear power plant will contribute to Uzbekistan's energy security and support sustainable economic growth in Jizzakh region. By combining advanced small modular reactor technology with larger conventional units, the facility will provide reliable, low-carbon electricity to meet rising national demand.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of implementing new growth initiatives across the region, noting that local capabilities have expanded significantly. The project is creating employment opportunities and driving infrastructure development, while specialised training programmes prepare a skilled workforce for the future plant.

Construction progress remains on schedule, with the development poised to deliver long-term benefits for energy supply and regional prosperity once operational.