A groundbreaking energy infrastructure project is taking shape in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region, where a pioneering nuclear facility combining large-scale and small modular reactor technologies will establish a new industrial hub. The integrated atomic power station represents a unique engineering approach that could reshape the country’s manufacturing landscape and attract significant international investment.
The ambitious project features an innovative configuration never before implemented globally: two high-capacity reactors of 1,000 MW each alongside two compact 55 MW units, delivering a combined 2.1 GW of generating capacity. This dual-approach design provides both reliable baseload power and flexible grid management capabilities, addressing the growing energy demands of Uzbekistan’s expanding industrial sector.
Industrial transformation catalyst
The facility promises substantial economic impact, with projections indicating annual electricity generation exceeding 15 billion kWh by 2035. The construction phase alone will generate over 12,000 employment opportunities, while permanent operations will sustain more than 2,000 specialized positions. The 525-hectare development site will anchor a comprehensive “Atomists’ City” concept, integrating residential, commercial, and service infrastructure.
“Such a combined approach gives basic generation of 2.1 GW and flexible maneuverable capacities. By 2035, the station on an area of about 525 hectares will annually generate more than 15 billion kWh,” explained Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojaev during his presentation at the Global Atomic Forum. The project represents a cornerstone of the country’s new industrialization strategy, positioning the region as an attractive destination for energy-intensive manufacturing operations.
Strategic partnership foundation
The collaboration between Uzbekistan’s atomic energy agency and Russia’s Rosatom encompasses comprehensive technical cooperation, including fuel supply agreements and specialized training programs. A branch of the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute will serve as the cornerstone educational facility, targeting the preparation of over 300 specialists by 2030. This educational infrastructure ensures sustainable knowledge transfer and builds local technical capabilities.
The nuclear project aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader energy diversification strategy, targeting clean energy sources to exceed 40 percent of the national energy mix by 2030. The facility’s design specifically addresses grid stability challenges associated with renewable energy integration, as the small modular reactors can compensate for fluctuations from solar and wind installations.
The development received endorsement from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which committed to providing technical support throughout the implementation process. Deputy Prime Minister Khojaev emphasized during his Moscow forum appearance that the initiative represents more than additional power generation capacity — it constitutes a comprehensive regional industrialization program.
For international companies in furniture manufacturing, construction materials, interior design, and architectural services, this nuclear infrastructure project signals significant market opportunities in Uzbekistan. The reliable, abundant electricity supply will support energy-intensive manufacturing processes, while the construction of the facility itself and the planned “Atomists’ City” will generate substantial demand for building materials, interior furnishing, and architectural services. The project’s scale and timeline create a foundation for long-term business partnerships and investment opportunities in a rapidly developing Central Asian market with strengthening industrial capabilities.
