Why is it important
This is a key stage in the start of construction of Uzbekistan’s first low-power nuclear power plant (LPP) — the project is designed to strengthen energy security and diversify generating sources.
What happened
- Work has begun on the development of a pit for the ASMM power unit with a design depth of up to 13 m and a working capacity of 1.5 million m3 of soil.
- The project provides for the installation of a RITM-200N reactor (modernized version of RITM-200) as one of the components of the station.
- The contract for the construction of the ASMM was signed with the participation of the Russian corporation Rosatom.
- The total capacity of the station is planned to be 330 MW — due to six reactor units with a capacity of 55 MW each.
- The first unit is expected to be launched by the end of 2029.
- Uzbek subcontractors are actively involved in the initial stages of the work.
- The first cast element from the alloy has already been cast for the reactor equipment (205 tons) as part of the production preparation.
What they say
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Uzatom CEO Azim Akhmedkhajaev launched work at the site. Rosatom emphasizes that the project will have a service life of at least 60 years.
According to the management, the project provides for a high level of localization of work at Uzbek firms.
Context
The small nuclear power plant project was included in the interstate agreement signed between Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation in 2024. Initially, options for the construction of a large-capacity nuclear power plant were considered, but then a decision was made in favor of a small-capacity plant (330 MW).
The Uzbekistan Small Nuclear Power Plant project is considered the first export-oriented small nuclear power plant of Russian design. In parallel, the project of a large nuclear power plant with VVER-1000 reactors is being considered as a long-term perspective for the development of nuclear energy. The RITM-200N reactor used is an adaptation of the RITM-200 marine reactor for ground operation, with characteristics: thermal power of about 190 MW, electrical power of about 55 MW.
