"World Nuclear News": The construction of a small modular reactor in Uzbekistan is progressing ahead of schedule.

LONDON, February 1. /IA "Dunyo"/. The construction of a nuclear power plant with small modular reactors in Uzbekistan is progressing at an active pace, and the start of concrete pouring for the first reactor is expected significantly earlier than December, reports the correspondent of IA "Dunyo," citing the British news portal "World Nuclear News."

It is reminded that the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the General Director of "Rosatom," Alexey Likhachev, discussed the progress of the project, noting compliance with the work schedule at the site and planning preparatory activities for this spring.

It is noted that the December date mentioned in the government document reflects a conservative scenario for completing all preparatory and licensing stages.

"We are making rapid progress and fully adhering to the schedule. The main goal this year is to start pouring concrete for the foundation slab of the nuclear island buildings," said the head of "Rosatom," emphasizing that the work depends on obtaining the necessary licenses and qualifications, including involving local manufacturers.

The contract for the construction of a nuclear power plant with a capacity of 330 MW was signed in May 2024 during the visit of President of Russia Vladimir Putin to Uzbekistan. The power plant will include six small power RITM-200N reactors with water cooling, created based on technologies for nuclear icebreakers, with a thermal capacity of 190 MW or 55 MW and a lifespan of 60 years. The first unit is expected to reach the critical stage by the end of 2029, with subsequent units being launched one by one.

In October 2025, earthworks began to prepare the pit for the first small modular reactor at the site in the Jizzakh region. About 1.5 million cubic meters of soil will be excavated for the RITM-200N, with engineering surveys and preparatory work ongoing. Upon completion of construction, the new nuclear power plant will meet about 14% of the country's electricity needs.

The agreement signed in September 2025 during the World Atomic Week in Moscow increased the project's capacity: instead of two large VVER-1000 power units and two small reactors, six small modular RITM-200N reactors are now planned. This is the first export order for a Russian small power reactor, and a ground version of the nuclear power plant is already being built in Yakutia, with the first power unit scheduled to launch in 2027.