Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia intends to construct a compact nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, marking the first such initiative in post-Soviet Central Asia. This nuclear agreement, if realized, would underscore Russia's capacity to not only export energy but also advanced technology to emerging Asian markets. Amid escalating Western sanctions, Putin pledged a substantial investment of $400 million towards a joint fund totaling $500 million to support various projects in Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoyev also said Tashkent was interested in buying more oil and gas from Russia, reversing the decades-long practice of Moscow importing hydrocarbons from Central Asia. The Uzbek president described Putin's visit as "historic. "It heralds the beginning of a new age in the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance relations between our countries", he said.
As per documents released by the Kremlin, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom is set to construct up to six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts, in Uzbekistan. This project contrasts with the previously agreed-upon 2.4 gigawatt venture in 2018, which is still pending finalization. Notably, none of the five former Soviet Central Asian republics currently operate nuclear power plants, although both Uzbekistan and its neighboring country Kazakhstan, major uranium producers, have consistently argued that their expanding economies necessitate such infrastructure.
However, the Kazakh project can only proceed after a national referendum, which has not yet been scheduled. "Nearly all the leading countries of the world ensure their energy security and sustainable development with the help of nuclear energy", Mirziyoyev said. Uzbekistan began importing Russian natural gas in October using the same pipeline that had previously transported it in the opposite direction. This move took advantage of Russia's shift in gas exports to Asia due to its conflict with the West over Ukraine.
Uzbekistan's gas production remains substantial at about 50 billion cubic meters a year, but it struggles to fully meet domestic demand. Russian supplies have helped avert an energy crisis. "(Gas) exports are running well ahead of schedule and we are ready to increase their volume if needed", Putin said. According to Mirziyoyev, Tashkent is interested in increasing imports of Russian oil. The two leaders also mentioned that their governments were collaborating on large projects in mining, metals, and chemicals.
Uzbekistan, reliant on remittances from migrant workers employed in Russia, has upheld strong relations with Moscow since its intervention in Ukraine in 2022. Despite this, President Mirziyoyev and other regional leaders have refrained from expressing explicit support for what the Kremlin terms its 'special military operation' in Ukraine. Additionally, all nations in the area are collaborating with Western partners on initiatives such as alternative cargo shipping routes aimed at circumventing Russia.