Tashkent, February 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a high-level meeting to review Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts in atomic energy and outline future priorities. The session focused on ensuring sustainable energy development amid growing demand across various sectors of the economy.
Uzbekistan is leveraging all available energy sources to meet its increasing energy needs. In recent years, approximately 4 gigawatts of alternative energy capacity have been commissioned, raising the share of renewable energy to 16 percent. Over the next five years, the country aims to develop an additional 25 gigawatts of renewable capacity, which is projected to generate 64 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy. By 2030, Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy to more than 50 percent of its total power generation.
The rapid advancement of digital technologies, electric vehicles, electronics, artificial intelligence, and mining has intensified energy demand globally. Many nations are transitioning to new energy sources, with renewables now accounting for 42 percent of global power generation. Given its reliability and efficiency, nuclear energy remains a key component of long-term energy strategies worldwide. At present, 417 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 375 gigawatts are operational globally, with new plants under construction in multiple countries.
Recognizing the strategic importance of nuclear energy, Uzbekistan, which possesses domestic uranium reserves, has developed a plan to establish a sustainable nuclear energy base. As part of this initiative, the country is advancing a project for the construction of small-capacity nuclear reactors. On December 5, 2024, an international conference on nuclear energy was held in Samarkand, where officials provided updates on Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy development.
During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to train specialists for the future nuclear power plant and the broader atomic energy sector. He also underscored the importance of adhering to safety regulations in line with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. The implementation of nuclear technology is expected to enhance Uzbekistan’s economic competitiveness and lay a strong foundation for long-term development.
