Uzbekistan sets up nuclear classes at two Tashkent academic lyceums — Uzatom
The Tashkent branch of the MEPhI nuclear university is opening specialised nuclear classes at the I. M. Gubkin and International House-Tashkent academic lyceums to prepare students for the country's nuclear energy sector.
According to Uzbekistan's nuclear energy agency (Uzatom), the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI is setting up specialised nuclear classes at two academic lyceums. Memorandums of understanding on long-term cooperation have been signed.
Which lyceums
The project is being carried out with the I. M. Gubkin Academic Lyceum (affiliated with the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas) and the International House-Tashkent Academic Lyceum (affiliated with the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers).
What students will study
In the nuclear classes, students will study physics, mathematics and computer science under an advanced curriculum and gain practical exposure to modern nuclear energy technologies. They will have expert lectures and seminars, academic olympiads and career-guidance meetings, and targeted preparation for admission to the MEPhI Tashkent branch.
Why it matters
Uzbekistan is building its first nuclear power plant in Jizzakh province. The plant is being built by Russia's Rosatom and will include two RITM-200N small modular reactors (55 MW each) and two VVER-1000 large reactors (about 1,000 MW each) — a combined capacity of roughly 2.1 GW.
Timeline
The first concrete was poured on 4 June 2026. The first small modular reactor is scheduled to come online in 2029 and the first large reactor in 2033. The nuclear classes are aimed at preparing future engineers and specialists for that plant.
