A joint venture will be established with an international company to oversee the NPP project in Jizzakh

A joint venture with an international company will be established in Jizzakh to supervise the NPP project

In order to strengthen project management and technical supervision of the first integrated nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan, it is planned to establish a joint venture with the participation of leading foreign engineering companies.

According to the proposal, the joint venture will provide improved project management, enhanced technical supervision, and independent expertise of technological solutions. It envisages an independent assessment of project documentation, main equipment components, and construction work results. Currently, the composition of the joint venture participants and the timeline for its establishment are being worked out.

The construction of the NPP has entered an active phase. Since June 4, concrete pouring for the foundation slab of the first power unit has been underway, and 916 cubic meters of concrete have been poured so far. The construction and assembly base and foundation works are continuing according to the set schedule.

The project is being implemented in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) "Milestones Approach" and the "3S" concept, which includes safety, security, and safeguards. On June 22–26, the IAEA's INIR Follow-up expert mission was conducted, in which 41 leaders and specialists from 16 ministries and agencies participated. Following the mission, it was noted that most of the recommendations from the 2021 mission had been implemented.

Special attention is also being paid to localization in the project. Currently, the possibilities of supplying construction materials, metal structures, cable products, and other components by local enterprises have been studied. The localization potential is estimated at up to 21 percent. In order to increase it to over 30 percent, it has been proposed to establish a 200-hectare specialized industrial zone in the Farish district, 25 kilometers away from the plant. It is planned to manufacture and assemble products in 15 directions there, as well as to create up to 2,000 new jobs.

Within the framework of the NPP's external infrastructure, the construction of 388 kilometers of power grids, a 110-kilovolt substation, 21 kilometers of drinking water and 120 kilometers of industrial water supply networks, 39.5 kilometers of roads, and 11 kilometers of railways is envisaged. The task has been set to bring the share of local products and services in external infrastructure facilities to 60–70 percent.

Along with the plant, a nuclear workers' town designed for 33,000 residents will also be built. It will feature nearly 10,000 apartments, including 3,000 apartments in the first phase, as well as schools, preschool education, medical, sports, and cultural facilities.

During the peak period of construction, more than 10,000 workers and specialists are expected to work on the site, with 65–70 percent of them being local personnel. Therefore, the task has been set to accelerate the training of future operators, engineers, and radiation safety specialists starting now.

The report also outlines measures for the gradual strengthening of the organizational and personnel capacity of the "Uzatom" agency and the NPP construction directorate, as well as the adaptation and implementation of nearly a thousand industry standards into the national system.

By the end of 2026, it is planned to finalize the project documentation, start the construction of external networks, deepen localization, and accelerate the training of customer and operating personnel. In 2027, it is envisaged to develop licensing documentation for large VVER units, design the general buildings of the plant, and place orders for equipment with long manufacturing cycles.

During the construction period, it is planned to build a nuclear workers' town designed for nearly 33,000 residents on an area of 200 hectares for workers, specialists, and their families. The town envisages the construction of nearly 10,000 apartments, including 3,000 apartments in the first phase. Additionally, schools and preschool education organizations, medical, sports, and cultural facilities, recreation areas, and green zones will be established.