Design approved for SNPP in Uzbekistan being built with Rosatom's participation

TASHKENT. May 12 (Interfax) - The site layout plan for a small nuclear power plant (SNPP) in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region has been approved at a joint meeting of the operational headquarters and the scientific-technical council overseeing the SNPP construction project, the press service of the Uzbek Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom) said on Thursday.

"The scientific-technical council reviewed the results of engineering surveys conducted at the selected site, which will form the basis of the design documentation and ensure a high level of safety at the facility. The site layout for the SNPP in the Farish district of the Jizzakh region was approved, which will enable effective adaptation of the project to regional needs and optimization of electricity production," the press service said.

A presentation reflecting the current progress of work under the contract with JSC Atomstroyexport was delivered during the meeting, it said.

"In addition, participants discussed the possibility of using Uzbekistan's natural uranium resources for nuclear fuel production, which could enhance the project's economic efficiency and strengthen the country's energy independence," it said.

In May 2024, JSC Atomstroyexport (Rosatom's engineering division) and the NPP Construction Department under the Uzbek government signed a contract to build an SNPP. The project involves constructing a 330 MW Russian-design low-capacity plant (six 55 MW reactors) in the Jizzakh region. Previously in April, reports indicated the start of construction for a temporary construction and installation base as part of the SNPP project with RITM-200N reactors. Uzatom plans to obtain a construction permit for the plant in early 2026. The plant is scheduled for commissioning in phases between 2029 and 2033.