Uzbekistan is on the brink of a transformative energy revolution, and it’s all happening in the Jizzakh region, where the country’s first nuclear power plant is taking shape. But here’s where it gets groundbreaking: this isn’t just any nuclear plant—it’s set to house some of the world’s first small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology that’s sparking both excitement and debate in the global energy sector. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently visited the site, emphasizing the project’s role in unlocking the region’s untapped potential. He highlighted how the area’s growth prospects have skyrocketed, alongside a noticeable shift in the local population’s outlook on life and work.
Excavation for the reactor pits kicked off in October, marking the beginning of a project that combines innovation with ambition. The plant will feature two Russian RITM-200N SMRs and two VVER-1000 reactors, blending cutting-edge modular technology with proven large-scale systems. And this is the part most people miss: the RITM-200N reactors are adapted from Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreaker technology, offering a unique blend of reliability and efficiency. With a planned output of 55 MWe each and a 60-year service life, these SMRs are designed to be compact yet powerful.
During his visit, President Mirziyoyev was briefed on the comprehensive preparations underway. Beyond digging pits, the site is being leveled, concreted, and reinforced, with a temporary residential complex already built for construction workers. The project also includes plans to localize the production of construction materials and expand personnel training at higher education institutions. But here’s the controversial part: a mono-city designed for 10,000 residents—specialists and their families—is being planned just 16 kilometers from the plant. While this promises a self-sustaining community, it raises questions about the long-term social and environmental impact of such concentrated development.
The scale of the project is staggering: 1.5 million cubic meters of soil will be excavated for a 13-meter-deep pit, and engineering surveys, design work, and preparatory tasks are in full swing. Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, expects to pour the first concrete for the initial SMR unit in March 2026, with the first unit scheduled to go critical by late 2029. But here’s where it gets even more ambitious: an agreement signed during World Atomic Week in Moscow expanded the project’s scope, replacing a proposed six-SMR 330 MW design with two VVER-1000 units (each producing 1 GW) and two RITM-200N SMRs. This shift not only increases the plant’s capacity but also positions Uzbekistan as a pioneer in adopting advanced nuclear technologies.
The RITM-200N marks Russia’s first export of SMR technology, with the first land-based version under construction in Yakut, Russia, set to launch in 2027. For Uzbekistan, this project isn’t just about energy—it’s about modernization, economic growth, and a bold step into the future. But here’s the question that lingers: As Uzbekistan embraces nuclear power, how will it balance innovation with safety, sustainability, and community well-being? Let’s discuss—do you think this project is a leap forward or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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