Construction has officially begun on a small-capacity nuclear power plant (SNPP) in Uzbekistan’s Farish district, marking a major step forward in the country’s nuclear energy ambitions.

The facility will utilize Russia’s state-of-the-art RITM-200N reactor technology, developed by Rosatom.

In a groundbreaking move, the Farish site will become the world’s first to host both high- and small-capacity nuclear power units, setting a global benchmark for integrated nuclear generation.

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjayev formally inaugurated the initial construction phase.

The symbolic “first concrete” pour for the SNPP’s first unit is slated for spring 2026.

“Today marks a new chapter in Uzbekistan’s nuclear generation program,” said Rosatom’s Likhachev. “As with all our international projects, construction of the SNPP will feature a high level of localization, with Uzbek companies actively involved as subcontractors.

 Rosatom will ensure the plant’s construction and provide comprehensive support throughout its at least 60-year operational lifespan.”

Currently, the site is undergoing engineering surveys and foundational construction work. By late 2025, the plant’s design documentation will be finalized and submitted for approval to Uzbek regulators.

The early phase of construction will involve the excavation of 1.5 million cubic meters of earth, reaching depths of up to 13 meters.

The project’s framework was further reinforced during World Atomic Week in Moscow on September 26, 2025, when Russia and Uzbekistan signed additional agreements to expand nuclear cooperation.

Under these accords, the Farish site will host two high-capacity Generation III+ VVER-1000 reactors alongside two small-capacity RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW.

The agreements also cover key contractual terms for nuclear fuel supply to both reactor types.

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