Uzbekistan is making significant strides in its power generation sector, aiming to transform its energy landscape and position itself as a regional electricity exporter. This article delves into the recent developments and future plans that are shaping Uzbekistan’s energy future.
- Electricity Generation Surge: In the first five months of 2025, Uzbekistan generated over 35.56 billion kWh of electricity, marking a 4.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth is primarily driven by small businesses, which have increased their electricity production by 3.17 times year-on-year, reaching 9.24 billion kWh.
Future Projections: By 2030, Uzbekistan’s electricity production is projected to rise from 84 billion kWh to 135 billion kWh. This ambitious target was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The country plans to increase its installed capacity of renewable energy sources more than fivefold, from 4 GW to over 20 GW.
Nuclear Power and Export Potential: Uzbekistan is exploring the potential to become an electricity exporter, facilitated by the construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the Farish District, Jizzakh Region. These NPPs will utilize dry cooling towers to minimize water requirements, making them suitable for the region.
$5 Billion Energy Expansion Plan: The government has unveiled a $5 billion plan to expand energy capacity, which includes the development of 12 solar and 4 wind power plants, along with 12 energy storage systems. This initiative aims to transition 18 energy-intensive industries, such as water management and oil & gas, to autonomous energy supply.
Investment in Modernization: An additional $7.2 billion will be invested in 11 more energy projects. Modernization efforts, particularly in water management, are expected to reduce energy consumption significantly, with water pumps alone projected to cut their annual consumption from 6.5 billion kWh to 4.5 billion kWh.
In summary, Uzbekistan is on a transformative path to enhance its power generation capabilities, with a strong focus on renewable energy and modernization. The country’s strategic investments and projects are not only aimed at meeting domestic energy demands but also at positioning Uzbekistan as a key player in the regional energy market. With these developments, Uzbekistan is set to achieve energy independence and potentially become a significant electricity exporter by 2030.
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.