During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that Russia would construct a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, marking the first such project in post-Soviet Central Asia. This nuclear deal, if realized, would demonstrate Russia’s capability to export not just energy but also advanced technology to emerging Asian markets, amid increasing Western pressure through sanctions.
Mirziyoyev also expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in boosting oil and gas purchases from Russia, a departure from the longstanding practice of Moscow importing hydrocarbons from Central Asia. Describing Putin’s visit as “historic,” the Uzbek president emphasized the beginning of a new era in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, a sentiment echoed by Putin, who hailed Tashkent as Moscow’s “strategic partner and reliable ally.”
As per Kremlin documents, Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom will construct up to six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts, in Uzbekistan. This project represents a smaller-scale endeavor compared to the 2.4-gigawatt project agreed upon in 2018, which is yet to be finalized. Despite being uranium producers, none of the five ex-Soviet Central Asian republics currently operate nuclear power plants, although Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have long argued for their necessity to support their growing economies.
Highlighting the importance of nuclear energy for energy security and sustainable development, Mirziyoyev emphasized that many leading countries rely on nuclear power. Leveraging Russia’s initiative to redirect gas exports to Asia amidst tensions with the West over Ukraine, Uzbekistan began importing Russian natural gas last October, alleviating pressure on its own gas production and averting an energy crisis.
Both leaders discussed expanding cooperation beyond energy, including large-scale projects in mining, metals, and chemicals. Despite Uzbekistan’s reliance on remittances from laborers in Russia, leaders in the region have not openly supported Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, while maintaining ties with the West on projects such as alternative cargo shipping routes to bypass Russia.