State corporation Rosatom is ready to participate in new nuclear energy projects in Uzbekistan. On October 23, the company's CEO Alexey Likhachev told journalists about this. According to him, the country will not be limited to four power units of the first NPP in the Jizzakh region.
What Rosatom's head said
Likhachev "warmly welcomed" plans for further development of nuclear energy in Uzbekistan and declared readiness to "actively participate in satisfying this growing nuclear appetite." The choice of partners for new projects remains with the Uzbek side.
"We are not afraid of competition at all. But, on the other hand, of course, we will also offer our services"
He explained that serial production of technologies increases their competitiveness and quality, and also allows reducing the cost of electricity production.
Small NPP: timeline for personnel
According to Likhachev, in 2027 it is planned to conclude first contracts with specialists for maintaining a small NPP in Uzbekistan. Personal licenses for operators will also be obtained at that time.
"I am confident that Uzbekistan will not stop at current arrangements, at the current four power units," summed up Rosatom's head.
Second station and electricity demand
On August 17, Uzbekistan's president announced the start of preparation for a second NPP without naming a partner country. In September, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that, according to Mirziyoyev, the second station is planned to be built jointly with China. Uzbekistan started its first NPP project with Russia.
As Vučić reported, Mirziyoyev also emphasized that even implementation of two nuclear projects will not fully meet the country's future electricity needs. Demand is growing due to development of data centers, AI projects, and electric vehicles.
It was also reported that international institutions participate in financing Uzbekistan's first NPP.
What it means for the market
The statement reflects competition among technology suppliers for future nuclear projects in the country. The decision on partners for new stations has not yet been made and remains with the Uzbek side.