*Uzbekistan’s integrated NPP model could serve as a practical example for Nigeria as it further shapes its nuclear programme
On 20 April 2026, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev presented technological solutions in the fields of nuclear energy and electromobility to the Uzbek leader at the 6th International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom. Central Asia” in Tashkent. The event was attended by a high level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Viktor Karankevich, and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov.
One of the key technology offerings is the new Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The project envisages the construction of both an SMR-based nuclear power plant with two smaller RITM-200N units and a large nuclear power plant on the same site. Once completed, this new-format NPP will cover approximately 14% of Uzbekistan’s electricity needs.
During the construction phase of both small and large units, about 13,000 people are expected to be employed, while the operation of the integrated NPP will require approximately 2,000 employees. A main element of the project is the concept of an integrated residential and research cluster in the NPP area – the atomgrad, designed to house scientists, support nuclear medicine, materials science, and other advanced applications.
“Nuclear energy in Uzbekistan is to become a major driver of economic development, impacting a wide range of sectors from industry and science to education and social infrastructure. The atomgrad, a purpose-built integrated residential and research cluster, will be a hub for not only nuclear energy development but also for other promising areas such as nuclear medicine, materials science, and sterilisation of food, agricultural and medical products. In this city, a new community of scientists, technologists and researchers would emerge. They will acquire advanced knowledge while being able to significantly contribute to Uzbekistan’s technological sovereignty and to create new development opportunities for decades to come,” emphasised Alexey Likhachev.
Nigeria has been cooperating with Rosatom for many years under intergovernmental agreements, considering nuclear energy as one of the options for diversifying its energy mix. In this regard, Uzbekistan’s integrated NPP model, combining different reactor types with a research and residential cluster, could offer Nigeria a useful practical example of how to build local capacity and lay a solid foundation for future nuclear projects.
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Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation is a diversified holding company with interests in energy, mechanical engineering, construction, and other industries. Its strategy focuses on the development of low-carbon energy sources, including wind power. The company is the national leader in electricity generation, accounting for about 20 % of the total electricity generated in the country. Rosatom is also the world leader in nuclear power plant construction with 39 projects at various stages of completion, including six small units in 10 countries. In addition to its nuclear business, the company also has interests in innovative non-nuclear industries, logistics and development of the Northern Sea Route, as well as environmental projects. Rosatom comprises over 450 companies and organizations employing approximately 420,000 employees.
