Uzbekistan is making significant strides in expanding its hydropower capabilities, a move that promises to enhance the country’s energy production and sustainability. This development is particularly crucial for Uzbekistan, which is keen on reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing its renewable energy share.
- A new 3.5 MW small hydropower plant (HPP) has been inaugurated near the Ghissarak reservoir in Shahrisabz District. This plant is expected to generate up to 17.5 million kWh of electricity annually, providing power to approximately 7,300 households and saving up to 5 million cubic meters of natural gas each year. The project, costing USD 1.5 million, primarily utilized local resources, with the exception of the hydro generator sourced from China.
The World Bank has approved a USD 150 million concessional loan to support the construction of small hydropower plants in Uzbekistan. This financial backing underscores the international community’s confidence in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy initiatives.
Plans are underway to construct 416 kinetic turbine micro-HPPs with a total capacity of 12 MW in the Qashqadarya region over the next two years. These projects will harness water flows in irrigation canals, further boosting the region’s hydropower capacity.
Nexus Green Resources, a Malaysian company, is exploring investment opportunities in small hydropower plants in the Kashkadarya region. The company is in discussions with local authorities and plans to partner with local organizations to efficiently utilize water resources for energy production.
Uzbekistan’s electricity production has seen a remarkable increase of 38% over the past eight years, reaching 81.5 billion kWh. This growth is partly attributed to the expansion of hydropower projects across the country.
In addition to the new projects, five more small HPPs with a total capacity of 24.7 MW are planned for 2024. There is also a broader plan to build 2,983 micro-HPPs within two years, aiming to supply electricity to 280,000 people, with the involvement of private entrepreneurs.
In summary, Uzbekistan is on a promising path towards enhancing its energy production through hydropower. The recent developments, including new plant inaugurations, international financial support, and potential foreign investments, highlight the country’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. These efforts not only aim to meet the growing energy demands but also contribute to environmental conservation by reducing reliance on natural gas.
Former economist at the World Bank Group and OECD. Currently serving as CEO of DEVELOPTONIA, a company that delivers an AI-powered intelligence platform transforming local data into instant actionable insights.