Uzbekistan outlines plans for second and third nuclear power plants

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan does not plan to rely on a single nuclear power plant, and that plans exist for a second and even a third station. Speaking on Friday at a meeting with energy sector investors, he said talks on the second plant would be held with new partners, adding that the country is increasing its uranium production.

According to the World Nuclear Association, Uzbekistan produced about 4,000 tonnes of uranium in 2024, placing it fifth globally. The Ministry of Geology reported output reached 7,000 tonnes in 2025, with a target of 8,000 tonnes for 2026 and 15,000 tonnes by 2030. A 2.1-gigawatt plant being built with Russia in the Forish district is valued at $9.5 billion.

The report also notes that nuclear plants are costly and slow to build, and raises concerns about operating costs, cooling in water-scarce conditions and technological dependence on a foreign state.