Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed medium- and long-term plans for developing the electricity sector, as well as proposals to change approaches to managing investment projects in the fuel and energy sector, the president’s press service reported.
The presentation noted that energy development remains one of the key conditions for economic growth, attracting investment and improving living standards. In recent years, private and foreign investment has been actively attracted to the sector, while projects have been implemented to build new power plants, develop renewable energy sources and modernize grid infrastructure.
As a result of the reforms, the combined capacity of solar and wind power plants in the country has exceeded 6.3 GW. The number of hydropower plants has surpassed 100, with their combined capacity approaching 2.5 GW. Expanded use of renewable energy sources is also enabling significant volumes of natural gas to be saved annually.
According to the forecasts presented, Uzbekistan’s economy is expected to reach US$300 billion by 2030, while the population is projected to exceed 41 million. Electricity consumption by industry alone could increase from the current 38 billion kWh to 53.5 billion kWh. The development of electric transport and data centres will create additional demand on the power system.
In this regard, the task has been set to develop generation capacity ahead of demand, expand grid capacity and maintain the necessary reserve capacity.
Under the plan, the total installed capacity of power plants is expected to reach 46.1 GW by 2030, enabling annual electricity generation of around 129 billion kWh. By 2035, capacity is planned to increase to 57.2 GW, while annual generation is expected to reach 154.7 billion kWh.
Several scenarios for changes in electricity demand were presented. Under moderate growth in consumption through 2030, calculations show that generation and demand would remain in the required balance. However, accelerated development of the economy, industry, electric transport and digital infrastructure would require additional generation capacity.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed officials to take high economic growth rates into account when preparing energy plans and to ensure sufficient reserve capacity in advance.
In particular, proposals were considered to build additional wind power plants and energy storage systems, as well as accelerate solar and wind generation projects. At the same time, it was proposed to review projects with low economic efficiency, no specific sources of financing or significantly delayed implementation schedules.
When selecting new power plants, the proposals call for considering not only capacity but also the cost of electricity generation, grid connection opportunities, compatibility with storage systems and the facility’s impact on the overall energy balance.
Energy storage systems are gaining particular importance as the share of renewable energy increases. They allow electricity generated by solar and wind plants during daylight hours to be stored and used during periods of peak evening demand. This reduces the need for additional generation from conventional power plants and improves the stability of the power system.
A total of 26 energy storage projects with a combined capacity of 4.2 GW have currently been formed, of which 17 are at the implementation stage. It has been proposed to develop additional projects in this area through 2030.
At the same time, the main transmission infrastructure is planned to be expanded. By 2030, nine 220 kV substations and seven 500 kV substations are planned to be built, along with nearly 5,000 kilometres of new transmission lines.
These facilities are intended to connect new power plants to the energy system and expand opportunities for interregional electricity exchange. The presentation separately considered projects for 500 kV lines and new substations planned for 2027–2029, including their financing and measures to eliminate delays.
Particular attention was paid to developing digital economy infrastructure in Karakalpakstan using the region’s wind energy potential.
It is proposed to connect prospective wind power plants in Karakalpakstan with data centres having a combined capacity of 1 GW. A new substation and 220 kV transmission lines are planned for this purpose. The infrastructure is expected to connect the data centres to the power system, attract high-tech investment and utilise the region’s energy potential.
The presentation also considered proposals to change the procedure for developing and implementing investment projects in the energy sector.
Under the current system, an investor often initiates a project, after which issues involving land allocation, grid connections, technical conditions, tariffs and investment agreements are coordinated with various government agencies. According to the authors of the proposals, this approach can result in lengthy procedures, duplication of functions and insufficient consideration of the needs of the power system.
Instead, it is proposed to develop energy projects based on projected demand from the economy, population and regions. First, the required level of consumption would be determined, followed by the corresponding generation capacity and infrastructure. The project would be provided in advance with a land plot, connection point and technical solutions, after which an investor would be selected through an open competitive process.
At the same time, the responsibilities of government bodies are to be divided. The Ministry of Economy and Finance would forecast demand, the Ministry of Energy would be responsible for strategic planning and technical policy, while the Agency for the Development and Regulation of the Energy Market would regulate market relations and tariffs. Agencies responsible for investment would attract investors through open tenders, while local authorities would resolve issues related to land plots and necessary infrastructure.
It has also been proposed to update three-year investment plans annually based on an accurate forecast of energy resource requirements by region and sector. The mechanism is intended to ensure more coordinated planning for the construction of power plants, grids and related infrastructure.
For the longer term, a concept for ensuring the country’s fuel and energy resources through 2050 is planned. The document is expected to take into account the country’s resource potential, demographic and economic changes, improvements in energy efficiency, the development of renewable and nuclear energy, and energy security. The concept is proposed to be reviewed every five years.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that every new energy project must correspond to the long-term needs of the economy and population, while a constant balance must be maintained between electricity generation, grid load and consumption.
Following the presentation, officials were instructed to ensure the timely launch of major projects under implementation, take measures with investors on facilities facing delays, develop generation and transmission networks in a balanced manner, expand energy storage systems and introduce a new planning and management model in the sector.
