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Uzbekistan approves construction of first small modular nuclear power plant

Uzbekistan approves construction of first small modular nuclear power plant

06 jul 2026

Global

Uzbekistan has formally approved the construction of its first small modular nuclear power plant, marking the transition from programme planning to project implementation. Beyond authorising a single facility, the decision establishes one of the world’s first commercial SMR programmes and reinforces Uzbekistan’s ambition to become a regional leader in nuclear energy.

At a glance

Country: Uzbekistan
Topic: SMR programme development
Project Stage: Construction
Stakeholders: Governments • utilities • technology vendors • investors
Reading time: 5 min

What happened?

The Government of Uzbekistan has approved the construction of the country’s first small modular nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region, following completion of site evaluation and regulatory reviews.

The project will deploy Russian-designed RITM-200N reactors and represents the first export deployment of this technology. The approval follows extensive technical assessments involving both Uzbek authorities and international experts and authorises the project to move into full-scale construction.

The decision forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, strengthen long-term energy security, and meet rapidly growing electricity demand. At the same time, the country continues to evaluate the future deployment of large-scale reactors, making this one of the world’s first integrated programmes combining SMRs and conventional nuclear power at a national level.

Why does it matter?

This announcement is significant not simply because construction has been authorised, but because it demonstrates how newcomer countries are beginning to adopt phased nuclear development strategies.

From planning to execution

Programme approval marks the point where years of feasibility studies, regulatory preparation, and institutional development begin to translate into physical project delivery.

SMRs as a first step rather than a final destination

Instead of viewing SMRs as an alternative to conventional reactors, Uzbekistan is positioning them as part of a broader long-term nuclear strategy. This approach may offer greater flexibility by allowing capabilities, regulatory experience, and supply chains to develop before larger units are commissioned.

A global reference project

As one of the first commercial SMR projects outside the technology supplier’s home market, Uzbekistan’s programme will be closely watched by governments considering similar deployment pathways.

What can we learn?

Several broader lessons emerge from Uzbekistan’s decision.

Nuclear programmes evolve in stages

Successful newcomer countries typically move from institutional preparation to limited deployment before expanding into larger, more complex programmes.

Technology selection is only one milestone

Government approval reflects confidence not only in the reactor technology but also in the owner’s organisational capability, regulatory readiness, and overall programme governance.

Programme flexibility creates strategic value

Combining SMRs with the potential deployment of large reactors allows countries to adapt investment timing, workforce development, and electricity system expansion as national demand evolves.

Institutional readiness remains the critical success factor

Even the most advanced reactor technology cannot compensate for weak governance, unclear responsibilities, or insufficient owner capability.

Tenet’s perspective

The most important aspect of Uzbekistan’s decision is not the approval of an SMR project itself, but the adoption of a phased programme development model.

Many newcomer countries frame the question as a choice between large reactors and SMRs. Uzbekistan is demonstrating a different approach: selecting technologies that can serve different roles within a single long-term national programme.

This significantly increases programme complexity. It requires integrated planning across procurement, governance, licensing, infrastructure development, workforce planning, and stakeholder coordination. Success will therefore depend not only on delivering individual reactor projects, but on the owner’s ability to manage interfaces between multiple technologies, organisations, and implementation phases.

For countries considering nuclear power for the first time, this may become one of the most influential programme models to observe over the coming decade.

How Tenet can support you

The transition from programme planning to implementation introduces a new set of strategic and organisational challenges.

Tenet supports governments, utilities and investors in:

developing implementation strategies for newcomer nuclear programmes
assessing owner capability and organisational readiness
designing governance and PMO frameworks for multi-project programmes
supporting procurement and contracting strategies
managing interfaces between multiple technologies, stakeholders, and delivery organisations
giving independent technical and commercial advice throughout programme implementation

Planning a nuclear programme or evaluating strategic delivery options? We would be pleased to discuss your project and share our international experience in these areas.

Talk to our Nuclear Team

Source of news: sightlineu3o8.com