Uzbekistan wants to build 3.6 GW of new hydropower capacity by 2033
TASHKENT. April 30 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan plans to implement 73 hydropower projects in 2026-2032 with a total cost of $5.8 billion, which will make it possible to create additional generating capacity of 3.6 GW, the presidential press service said.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures to develop hydropower. Among the large projects, the construction of the Upper Pskem HPP in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region costing $365 million was highlighted. The plant's capacity will be 160 MW, with annual generation of 484 million kWh, which will provide electricity to 161,000 households. In addition, the construction of the Sokh HPP with a capacity of 15 MW and annual generation of 50 million kWh is planned in the Fergana region.
A total of 13 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 114 MW and annual generation of 537 million kWh are scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.
Mirziyoyev gave instructions to ensure the timely implementation of the projects, as well as to increase the level of localization in hydropower.
It was noted that in global practice, pumped storage hydroelectric power plants are being actively introduced for energy accumulation and redistribution. Uzbekistan is considering the possibility of building three such facilities with a total capacity of 1.4 GW.
In addition, plans to build nearly 3,000 small and micro HPPs with a total capacity of 164 MW were discussed.
The industry envisages the gradual introduction of digital monitoring systems that allow real-time tracking of water levels, as well as volume, pressure, meteorological data and production processes at hydraulic structures. Currently, around 3,500 control and measuring instruments have been installed to ensure the safety of reservoirs.
According to the presented data, significant results have been achieved in the industry in recent years. In particular, if in 2017 there were 36 hydroelectric power plants in the country, then by 2025 their number was brought up to 100. Their total installed capacity increased from 1.6 GW to 2.4 GW.
It was noted that the country has built the UzHydroPower plant, which has become the only manufacturer of hydroelectric units and process equipment in Central Asia. The first stage of the Naryn HPP cascade, launched last year, was implemented for the first time on the basis of a national project model, in which all work was carried out by local enterprises.
At the same time, a significant part of Uzbekistan's hydropower potential remains undeveloped. Given the growing population and economy, the demand for electricity is increasing, and therefore the need for fuller use of hydropower resources was noted.
The share of hydropower in Uzbekistan's energy balance is around 10%-12%. The authorities view the development of the industry as an important factor in ensuring the stability of the energy system, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and making efficient use of water resources.
