Russia to build Uzbek nuclear plant, the first in Central Asia

Russia plans to build Central Asia’s inaugural nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, according to Reuters.

The project signifies Russia’s capacity to export advanced technology to emerging Asian markets amid the escalating Western sanctions.

Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in purchasing more oil and gas from Russia, a shift from previous decades of importing hydrocarbon from Central Asia.

For his part, Putin hailed the visit as historic, emphasising the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

Details of the nuclear project were not disclosed, but it appears scaled down from a previous agreement made in 2017.

None of the five former Soviet Central Asian republics currently have nuclear power plants, although Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, both uranium producers, have expressed interest due to growing energy demands.

Uzbekistan recently began importing Russian natural gas to alleviate domestic energy shortages, signaling a closer energy partnership.

Both leaders highlighted ongoing cooperation in mining, metals, and chemicals sectors.

Despite maintaining close ties with Moscow, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries have not openly supported Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

Collaboration with the West on alternative shipping routes, among other projects, continues in the region.