During Putin's visit to Uzbekistan on May 27, 2024, it was announced that Russia would put $400 million into a joint investment fund worth $500 million for the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. Uzbek President Mirziyoyev stressed that almost all major countries around the world are turning to nuclear energy to ensure their energy security and promote sustainable development.

Russia's state nuclear giant Rosatom plans to build up to six nuclear reactors in Uzbekistan, each with a capacity of 55MW. The scale of the project is much smaller than the 2.4GW project agreed in 2018, and the specific project details still need to be finalized. If the deal goes through, it will demonstrate Russia's ability to export not only energy but also high-tech products to emerging markets in Asia, especially at a time when Western countries are imposing sanctions on Russia.

The five former Soviet Central Asian republics do not yet have nuclear power plants, although Uzbekistan and neighbouring Kazakhstan are uranium producers and have long expressed an urgent need for them in their fast-growing economies. Kazakhstan's nuclear power project is subject to a nationwide referendum decision process.

As a country with a growing energy demand, Uzbekistan's cooperation with Russia will bring stable energy supplies and ensure energy security. As a representative of clean energy, the nuclear power plant will help Uzbekistan achieve its sustainable development goals, reduce its dependence on traditional fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Editor/Zhang Liyuan