A conference on establishing joint ventures with Uzbek companies for the implementation of Uzbekistan's integrated nuclear power plant project was held in Tashkent. The event brought together representatives of the Uzatom Agency, relevant government bodies and Uzbek companies, alongside specialists from Rosatom's Engineering Division, the Association of Organizations of the Nuclear Industry Construction Complex and executives from Russian enterprises involved in nuclear power plant construction. The conference focused on technological cooperation, localization and the participation of Uzbek companies in the nuclear power plant project.
The opening session addressed the joint implementation of Uzbekistan's nuclear project, technological cooperation, localization and the development of national human resources. Shahzod Alirizaev, Deputy Director of the Uzatom Agency, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the parties in implementing the integrated nuclear power plant project. The project combines high-capacity power units based on VVER-1000 reactors with small-capacity units using RITM-200N reactors.
According to Alirizaev, this configuration provides opportunities for exchanging expertise and developing Uzbekistan's domestic industrial base. During the first session, Russian experts and Uzbek representatives discussed approaches to nuclear power plant construction. The discussions covered updated construction methodologies, including a system-based approach and modular installation.
Participants also examined the capabilities of specialized materials science organizations and equipment manufacturers to provide technological solutions for nuclear power plant construction. Particular attention was given to backup power supply systems, auxiliary thermal energy infrastructure and other components related to operational efficiency and safety, as well as opportunities for involving local enterprises.
Representatives of Russian companies and their Uzbek partners discussed localization, technology transfer and the establishment of joint ventures. The areas considered included automated control and radiation monitoring systems, specialized ventilation and gas purification, polymer piping production, energy-efficient insulation materials, specialized chemical additives for concrete and prefabricated structures for construction and assembly facilities.
Participants also discussed establishing production facilities directly in Uzbekistan through joint ventures to meet localization targets and develop domestic industrial and human-resource capacity for the nuclear energy sector. The conference concluded with a business-to-business (B2B) cooperation session involving representatives of Uzbek and Russian companies.
During the session, participants exchanged proposals and expressed their commitment to further cooperation in joint production, professional training and the development of related industrial sectors.
"The implementation of an integrated nuclear power plant project is more than just the construction of an energy facility; it represents a strategic opportunity for Uzbekistan to develop its own high-tech base, adopt global best practices, and cultivate a new generation of specialists. Joint ventures with Russian partners will serve as a key instrument for achieving these goals and strengthening bilateral cooperation," Alirizaev stated.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has previously emphasized the importance of the peaceful use of nuclear energy for Uzbekistan's development. During the launch of construction of the first power unit, the president stated that the project marked the beginning of a new phase in the country's technological, industrial and scientific development.
Directives have been issued to increase the share of domestically produced goods and services in the nuclear power plant project to at least 30%. A special industrial zone is also being established in the Farish district to supply the plant with locally produced materials and equipment.
The integrated nuclear power plant project is being implemented in the Jizzakh region.