Uzbekistan plans to complete construction of 500 kV power line under ACWA energy project in 2028

TASHKENT. Oct 5 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan expects to complete the construction of a new double-circuit 500 kV power transmission line (PTL) from Samarkand to Tashkent as part of an energy project with the Saudi company ACWA in Q1 2028, the Uzbek Energy Ministry said.

"In the Nurabad district of Uzbekistan's Samarkand region, a major energy project is being implemented in cooperation with ACWA. As part of the project, a 1,000 MW solar photovoltaic station, a 1,336 MWh energy storage system, and new 500 kV and 220 kV power transmission lines are being built," the ministry said.

An important part of the project is a 350 km double-circuit 500 kV PTL from the Nurabad district to the Khalka substation in the Tashkent region, it said.

"This PTL passes through the Samarkand, Jizzakh, Syrdarya and Tashkent regions. Currently, work on installing the foundations of the supports has been completed and their assembly has begun. Completion of the construction of the Nurabad-Tashkent Khalka [substation] 500 kV PTL is planned for the first quarter of 2028," the ministry said.

For this line, supports of a new special design for a 500 kV double-circuit PTL are being used for the first time in Central Asia. The technical solutions were verified by the Indian company Larsen & Toubro.

In addition, a 150 km 220 kV PTL is being built as part of the project. Currently, its construction is 50% complete, with the work set to be completed in May 2027.

The total length of the PTLs being built under the project will therefore be 500 km.

According to the Uzbek Energy Ministry's estimate, the new PTLs will ensure the integration of the solar power plant and energy storage system under construction into the unified energy system, and will also expand the possibilities for transmitting electricity from the central region to Tashkent, the Tashkent region and the regions of the Fergana Valley.