The Government of Uzbekistan is exploring technical possibilities to significantly increase the country's future nuclear energy production capacity, Upl.uz reports.
The site in Jizzakh region, selected for construction, is reportedly capable of hosting more power units than initially planned due to its geophysical and infrastructural features. This was stated by Azim Akhmedkhodjayev, Director of the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers.
According to Akhmedkhodjayev, if the country's leadership makes a political decision based on energy consumption growth forecasts and industrialization trends, two additional high-capacity reactors could be added to the project. The current project includes two small modular reactors and two high-capacity power units.
However, technical justification indicates the feasibility of constructing a total of four large units. Documents on the future nuclear power plant (NPP) in Jizzakh confirm this intention.
The documents specify the allocation of land for four large-capacity power units. These reactors belong to the Russian-designed VVER-1000 type, which has proven reliability backed by decades of experience.
Additionally, two cooling towers are planned for each power unit to support water cooling. The project envisions the future plant as a complex technological cluster.
Besides the small modular RITM-200N reactor, the plans also include a construction-installation base, a meteorological station, security and logistics zones. The project features open switchgear facilities designed for 500 kV and 220 kV high-voltage power lines, waste storage areas, and radiation monitoring systems.
Uzbekistan's energy balance strategy through 2040 aligns with the idea of expanding the nuclear segment. By 2030, nuclear energy is expected to integrate into the national energy system with a capacity of 0.3 GW.
By 2035, this figure is projected to reach 2 GW, and by 2040, 4 GW. The development of NPPs is seen as playing a key role in reducing coal energy reliance and ensuring the country’s energy security.
Experts emphasize that decisions on increasing the number of reactors will be made based solely on economic needs and analysis. Nonetheless, the site in Jizzakh is being considered as the foundation for long-term nuclear energy development.
Users of Меҳмон are not allowed to comment this publication.
