During his visit, Mr Grossi met with Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration, to discuss Uzbekistan's nuclear power programme and cooperation with the IAEA.
The discussions also covered efforts under the IAEA's Rays of Hope initiative to expand access to cancer care.
A major nuclear milestone for Uzbekistan today and an important step for Uzbekistan's energy future 🇺🇿
Participated in the first concrete pouring ceremony of Uzbekistan's first SMR project, in the presence of @president_uz Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Vladimir Putin. The… pic.twitter.com/qiJkkZ81rA
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 4, 2026
Mr Grossi attended the first concrete pouring ceremony for Uzbekistan's small modular reactor (SMR) project, marking the start of construction and a key step in the country's long-term energy strategy.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation participated virtually in the ceremony.
The integrated project is being implemented by Uzatom in cooperation with Rosatom and is based on RITM‑200N reactors. It forms part of a broader nuclear power programme that also includes large reactor units.
The first SMR is expected to become operational around 2029, supported by international cooperation on fuel supply and the training of plant operators.
Under current plans, Uzbekistan is developing a combined programme of two small modular reactors and two large VVER‑1000 units to meet growing electricity demand and diversify its energy mix.
The IAEA supports Uzbekistan through technical cooperation, helping to strengthen regulatory frameworks, nuclear and radiation safety, and workforce capacity for the safe and secure development of nuclear power.
