Uzbekistan to increase green energy share to 50% by 2030  

Uzbekistan aims to raise the share of "green" energy in total electricity generation to 50% by 2030. In the long term, nuclear energy is expected to become one of the country's primary energy sources. This was discussed today, March 27, during a review of the nuclear energy project chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.  

Currently, work is underway on a project to build a small-capacity nuclear power plant. Working groups have held meetings to explore its feasibility and develop a "roadmap" for implementation.  

A joint action plan for 2025-2027 has been developed in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  

"Each stage of the construction of the future plant, from design to completion, will be under the strict supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, with the world's most advanced safety standards and best practices applied," the meeting noted.  

Officials also reported on the progress of negotiations with partners, addressing issues related to permits, financing, and the technical and economic aspects of a large-capacity nuclear power plant.  

For reference, in May 2024, Uzatom and Rosatom signed an agreement for the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. The plant will be based on the Russian RITM-200N reactor, which has a capacity of 55 MW and a service life of up to 60 years.  

The first reactor is expected to be commissioned within five years, with additional reactors coming online at six-month intervals. The nuclear power plant is not expected to reach full design capacity before 2033.  

Uzbekistan also plans to establish an international consortium to build the nuclear power plant, seeking to integrate Russian, Chinese, and European technologies. Additionally, the country is considering procuring turbines, generators, and cooling equipment from international manufacturers.  

It is worth recalling that Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, director of the Uzatom agency, previously stated that the cost of the small nuclear power plant being built in Uzbekistan would be less than $2 billion.