Uzbekistan schedules first small modular reactor launch for October–November 2029

Speaking in an interview with the Alibaev.Politika YouTube channel, Akhmedkhadjayev detailed the phased rollout of the nation's nuclear ambitions. The second small modular reactor is slated to go online six months after the initial late-2029 launch. Meanwhile, the commission of the first large-scale nuclear reactor is anticipated in 2033, with the entire integrated power plant project expected to reach full completion between 2034 and 2035.

The agency head emphasized that safety standards take absolute priority over construction speed. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts maintain regular oversight at the site, with two dedicated missions scheduled to visit this year. Akhmedkhadjayev noted that because the nuclear facility is built to operate for decades, strict adherence to international safety regulations governs every phase of the project, stating that the country is moving steadily within established timeframes without rushing.

The integrated nuclear project stems from an updated configuration agreement signed between Uzatom and Russia’s Rosatom. The design combines both small-scale and large-scale capacities on a single site, yielding a combined capacity exceeding 2.1 GW. This total comprises a 2 GW large-scale facility made up of two Generation 3+ VVER-1000 power units, alongside a 110 MW small-scale plant powered by two 55 MW RITM-200N reactors.

Active construction is already underway in Farish district of Jizzakh region. Following initial excavation works for the RITM-200N reactor pit, crews commenced the first foundational concrete pours at the site to establish the structural base, waterproofing, and grounding systems. The official start of construction was marked by a symbolic first concrete pouring ceremony.