Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  With the signing of an agreement for the construction of a small modular nuclear power plant (SMR) in the Jizzakh region, Uzbekistan has taken several steps ahead of Central Asian countries in realizing the idea of building its own nuclear power plant (NPP).

Although the project is still in the design phase and its final cost will be determined after the preparation of a feasibility study, the phased commissioning of the project is preliminarily planned between 2029 and 2033. This would make Uzbekistan the first country in the region to build a nuclear power plant on its territory if the project timelines are adhered to. This experience may serve as an important reference for neighboring countries, including Kazakhstan, which, following a referendum, could adapt the best practices for its own nuclear power plant program.

According to the document, the SMR will consist of six RITM-200N reactor units, each with a capacity of 55 MW, which are used in Russian nuclear-powered icebreakers. The decision to start with the SMR is based on multiple factors, including the leading technology of the chosen supplier and the proven experience in constructing such facilities.

The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan has not abandoned plans to build a full-fledged nuclear power plant with a capacity of 2.4 GW and two pressurized water reactors, initially announced in 2018, but this is envisioned for a slightly longer-term perspective—by 2040, after training specialists at the small nuclear plant. For the region’s residents, this project will have a multiplier effect, driving the construction of other facilities and creating new jobs.

It should be noted that the issue of building a nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan is mainly considered from the perspective of the economic feasibility of the project. The country aims, first, to reduce its dependence on natural gas, which currently accounts for about 80% of its electricity generation, and second, to free up gas resources for export. Given the annual growth in electricity consumption, ambitious economic development plans, and the need to ensure energy security, relying solely on renewable energy sources (RES) is unreliable, even though Uzbekistan has been actively working on their development for several years. Companies from other countries will also participate in the nuclear plant project, responsible for creating the infrastructure around the NPP, machine stations, service divisions, etc. In other words, this will be an international team.

In the context of the growing global energy deficit, a trend known as the "nuclear renaissance" has emerged. Just a year ago, in 2023, at the COP28 World Climate Conference, 25 major countries adopted a declaration proposing a joint effort to triple global nuclear energy capacity from the current 390 GW to 1,200 GW by 2050. This year, six more countries, including Kazakhstan, one of Uzbekistan’s closest neighbors, joined the initiative.

In contrast to several countries (including European ones) interested in developing the nuclear industry, Uzbekistan plays an important role in the uranium market—ranking seventh globally in terms of natural resource reserves (2% of global volumes), fifth in production, and sixth in the potential for uranium field development, which could become a competitive advantage. It is also worth noting that resource exploration in the country continues—new promising uranium deposits have been discovered this year in the Bukhara, Jizzakh, Navoi, Kashkadarya, Tashkent, and Namangan regions. Furthermore, the future nuclear power plant will play a key role in achieving the country’s carbon neutrality goals.

Considering global concerns regarding the nuclear industry, it is important to note that Uzbekistan has been carefully studying the issue of building a nuclear power plant for several years: advanced technologies and global experiences in nuclear energy development have been explored, and its qualified personnel have been trained to avoid potential negative consequences.

Although modern nuclear technologies have been developed with consideration of past incidents and lessons learned, Uzbekistan has paid great attention to minimizing risks associated with human errors, including operator and maintenance personnel mistakes, as well as preventing equipment failures. Modern automatic safety systems will be used for additional protection, capable of performing their functions in the event of mechanical, chemical, or natural damages caused by emergencies. All of this will significantly increase the safety and reliability of the facility during the first stage of construction.

However, it is also important to consider public opinion and involve local communities in the decision-making process. Transparency and openness in communication with citizens, conducting public hearings, and informing about safety measures can significantly increase trust in the project.

Additionally, a clear plan for the disposal and storage of radioactive waste must be developed to minimize long-term environmental risks. This includes both technical solutions and international cooperation in the safe handling of waste.

Another important aspect is the development of infrastructure around the nuclear plant, including transportation and logistics networks, which will be necessary for the efficient operation of the station and the uninterrupted supply of materials and equipment.

Viktor Kovalenko – Partner at EY, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability Services for Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Ukraine.
Olga Beloglazova – Head of the Energy Center at EY in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, and Central Asia.
Bolat Sarsenov – Manager at EY, Climate Change and Sustainability Services in Central Asia.
Alisher Abdullaev – Senior Consultant at EY, Climate Change and Sustainability Services in Central Asia.