Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy sector is witnessing a significant milestone as the country deepens its strategic partnership with France, marking a new chapter in Central Asia’s energy transformation. The collaboration centers around a groundbreaking joint venture that promises to reshape the region’s nuclear power landscape and attract substantial foreign expertise to one of the world’s most promising emerging markets.
The partnership reached a crucial juncture in June 2025 when Uzatom, Uzbekistan’s atomic energy agency, signed a Memorandum of Intent with French engineering giant Assystem. This agreement paves the way for establishing a joint venture that will provide comprehensive technical support for nuclear power plant construction and bolster Uzbekistan’s civilian nuclear program development. The new entity represents more than just a business arrangement — it signals Uzbekistan’s commitment to leveraging world-class European nuclear expertise to accelerate its energy independence goals.
France’s involvement in Uzbekistan’s nuclear ambitions extends beyond simple technology transfer. The partnership encompasses multiple French industry leaders, including technical management specialist Framatome and training provider Bureau Veritas, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of nuclear expertise. This multi-company approach ensures that Uzbekistan gains access to the full spectrum of nuclear industry knowledge, from initial construction phases through long-term operational management.
The strategic importance of this collaboration was underscored during recent high-level discussions between Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev and senior French officials, including Regional Nuclear Affairs Advisor Alexander Gorbachev from France’s Ministry of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, alongside French Ambassador to Uzbekistan Walid Fook.
Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy roadmap includes plans for a small modular reactor facility in Jizzakh Province, scheduled for completion by 2035. While Russian corporation Rosatom serves as the general contractor, the integration of French expertise demonstrates Uzbekistan’s strategic approach to diversifying its nuclear partnerships both technologically and financially. This diversification strategy reduces dependency risks while ensuring access to best-in-class international standards and practices.
For international companies operating in construction, engineering, and infrastructure sectors, this French-Uzbek nuclear partnership signals broader opportunities in Central Asia’s expanding energy infrastructure market. The collaboration demonstrates Uzbekistan’s openness to European partnerships and its commitment to implementing international standards in major infrastructure projects. Companies specializing in industrial construction, specialized manufacturing, and technical services may find growing opportunities as Uzbekistan continues developing its nuclear capabilities and related infrastructure requirements.
