The cost of integrated nuclear power plant зкщоусе in Uzbekistan will cap at $9.5 billion. Azim Akhmedkhadjayev, Director of the Nuclear Energy Agency (Uzatom), announced this on June 4 during a press briefing.
Addressing earlier media concerns regarding project costs and the expensive nature of small modular reactors, the chief of Uzatom explained that a cost-optimization strategy was initiated by the President. This approach consolidates two small and two large reactors on a single site to share a unified infrastructure, significantly lowering overhead expenses.
"According to the contract we signed on March 24, 2026, our base price is $9.5 billion. This is the maximum total price," Akhmedkhadjayev stated.
He further clarified that this figure does not yet factor in the planned 30% production localization. By integrating local manufacturers into the supply chain, the final cost of the project is expected to decrease even further.
To finance the construction, Uzbekistan will soon hold talks with the BRICS New Development Bank, which has expressed interest in participating in the project. Negotiations are also underway with other countries.
Azim Akhmedkhadjayev noted that while the state budget will fund "a certain portion" of the project, it will be financed primarily through external loans.
"We aim to secure 85% to 90% of the project's cost through credit lines. According to calculations we conducted alongside our international Big Four partners, if this amount is invested in the project, the cumulative benefit to the state budget will exceed $165 billion. This will be driven by the emergence of ancillary services and steady tax revenues. That is why this project is considered highly efficient," the chief of Uzatom stated.
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