Uzbekistan sidelines Rosatom in nuclear plant oversight shake-up
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Uzbekistan has moved to strip Rosatom of its lead role in the country's first nuclear power plant, endorsing a new international consortium to oversee construction. The September 2 presidential statement made no mention of the Russian nuclear entity, signaling a break in the partnership. The shift comes as Tashkent deepens talks with Washington on small modular reactors.
Key Facts
- Uzbekistan's presidential press service on September 2 announced a new consortium to manage the nuclear plant project, without naming Rosatom.
- In January 2026, Uzbek authorities postponed the start of nuclear plant construction, originally scheduled for March.
- President Mirziyoyev met with US Senator Steve Daines in Tashkent on September 3, days after their meeting in Bishkek with envoy Sergio Gor.
- The Trump administration has expressed interest in developing small modular reactors in Central Asia over the past year.
Consortium Shift
The September 2 statement proposed establishing a joint venture with leading international engineering companies to improve project management and technical oversight. Rosatom was not mentioned once in the announcement, despite having been selected to build the plant in June. The statement did not specify the consortium's composition, leaving Rosatom's future role unclear. Uzbek frustration with Rosatom has been building since at least January 2026, when construction was postponed.
US Engagement
Mirziyoyev met with retiring US Senator Steve Daines in Tashkent on September 3, just days after their meeting in Bishkek. The Bishkek meeting also included Trump administration special envoy Sergio Gor. Two meetings over four days in two cities suggest serious discussions took place. The Trump administration has shown interest in nuclear energy cooperation with Central Asian states, particularly small modular reactors.
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