Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev paid an official visit to Uzbekistan on January 27, 2026, where he discussed the construction of the country’s first integrated nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh Region with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Since October 2025, work has been underway to prepare the excavation pit for the small-capacity reactor (ASMM), and the first concrete works are scheduled for March 2026 — significantly earlier than originally planned.
The project is unique: large-capacity VVER-1000 units and small-capacity units will be built simultaneously at one site, making it possible to create a demonstration platform for advanced nuclear technologies. The nuclear power plant will become a key element of Uzbekistan’s strategy to increase the share of "green" energy to 52% by 2030. The work is being carried out in strict compliance with international safety standards, including IAEA requirements.
In addition to energy, the parties discussed the use of peaceful nuclear technologies in medicine, agriculture, industry, and science, as well as the creation of a nuclear cluster with scientific, industrial, and social projects. Special attention was given to personnel training — educating specialists from Uzbekistan at MEPhI and developing the branch campus in Tashkent. Likhachev’s visit confirmed the strength of the strategic partnership and opens up new opportunities for the energy security and development of both countries.
