Uzbekistan proposes joint venture for nuclear plant oversight

Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom) has proposed the creation of a joint engineering venture with a foreign partner to provide independent technical oversight for the nation’s first nuclear power plant. Located in the Jizzakh region, the venture would be responsible for reviewing plant design, inspecting equipment, and monitoring construction quality.

Construction of the facility is currently underway, following the first concrete pour for a small modular reactor unit on June 4. The integrated project is designed to include two VVER-1000 reactors and two RITM-200N small modular reactors. Uzatom expects design work and utility network construction to continue through 2026, with major equipment orders planned for 2027.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently conducted a follow-up mission in Uzbekistan, noting “significant progress” since its 2021 review, though further improvements to the nuclear regulator are required. Currently, authorities are working to increase the share of locally produced goods used in the project, with a goal of exceeding 30%.