Uzbekistan has made significant progress in establishing infrastructure for its national nuclear energy program. This conclusion was reached by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following a follow-up INIR mission, which took place from June 22–26 at the request of the country's government. Specialists assessed how well Uzbekistan had implemented the recommendations formulated after the previous evaluation in 2021.
Experts noted the country's accession to international legal instruments, the updating of legislation, and the creation of a regulatory framework for licensing and oversight. Management systems were also established, power grid condition studies were conducted, and modernization plans were prepared. In June, construction began on the first power unit with a small modular reactor in Uzbekistan, with commissioning expected around 2029.
Uzbekistan's nuclear program includes the construction of two RITM-200N small modular reactors and two VVER-1000 large reactors. However, the IAEA also pointed out tasks that still need to be addressed: strengthening the capacity of the regulatory body and completing feasibility studies and other project implementation studies. The mission's findings will be used in planning further cooperation between the agency and Uzbekistan.