In a significant move marking the first nuclear power project in post-Soviet Central Asia, Russia has committed to building a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. This announcement came during a meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders hailed the agreement as a milestone in their nations’ strategic partnership.
President Putin announced that Russia would contribute $400 million to a joint investment fund of $500 million, aimed at financing various projects in Uzbekistan. This substantial investment underscores the deepening economic ties between the two countries.
In addition to the nuclear power plant project, President Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in increasing its imports of oil and gas from Russia. This marks a significant shift from the long-standing practice where Russia imported hydrocarbons from Central Asia, indicating a new phase in their bilateral energy relations.
Describing Putin’s visit as “historic,” Mirziyoyev stated, “It heralds the beginning of a new age in the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance relations between our countries.” Putin echoed this sentiment, referring to Tashkent as a “strategic partner and reliable ally.”
According to documents released by the Kremlin, the Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom will construct up to six nuclear reactors in Uzbekistan, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts. This project is smaller in scale compared to a previously agreed 2.4-gigawatt project in 2018, which has yet to be finalized. If implemented, the new agreement will highlight Russia’s capability to export high-tech products and energy solutions to new markets in Asia, particularly as Western sanctions continue to pressure Moscow.
Currently, there are no nuclear power plants in any of the five ex-Soviet Central Asian republics. However, both Uzbekistan and its neighbor Kazakhstan, which are uranium producers, have emphasized the need for nuclear energy to support their growing economies. Kazakhstan’s nuclear project, however, awaits a national referendum that has not yet been scheduled.
Mirziyoyev underscored the global reliance on nuclear energy for ensuring energy security and sustainable development, stating, “Nearly all the leading countries of the world ensure their energy security and sustainable development with the help of nuclear energy.”
In addition to the nuclear power plant, Putin announced a significant increase in Russian gas deliveries to Uzbekistan. Despite Uzbekistan’s substantial gas production of about 50 billion cubic meters per year, the country has struggled to meet its domestic demand fully. Russian gas imports, which began last October via a pipeline previously used in the reverse direction, have been crucial in preventing an energy crisis in Uzbekistan.
The cooperation extends beyond energy. The two leaders revealed that their governments are collaborating on large projects in mining, metals, and chemicals. This broadening of economic ties highlights the multifaceted nature of their partnership.
Uzbekistan’s economy heavily relies on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, and the nation has maintained close ties with Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, President Mirziyoyev and other Central Asian leaders have refrained from publicly supporting Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Simultaneously, these countries are engaging with Western nations on projects such as cargo shipping routes designed to bypass Russia.
This balanced diplomatic approach illustrates Uzbekistan’s strategy of leveraging its geographical and economic position to benefit from both Eastern and Western partnerships. The new nuclear power plant project and increased energy cooperation with Russia are expected to significantly bolster Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure and economic resilience.
In conclusion, the agreement between Russia and Uzbekistan to build the first nuclear power plant in post-Soviet Central Asia marks a historic step in their bilateral relations. This partnership not only strengthens their economic ties but also sets the stage for further collaboration in various sectors. As Uzbekistan continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape, this strategic alliance with Russia will play a crucial role in shaping its future development and stability.
