Namangan Region Launches Two Small Hydroelectric Plants

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The 18 MW Kugai-1 and Kugai-2 small hydroelectric power plants were commissioned on 25 August 2026 in the Uchkurgan and Naryn districts of Uzbekistan's Namangan region, state hydropower producer Uzbekhydroenergo reported.

Built on the Great Andijan Canal, the plants were launched ahead of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's state independence. The opening ceremony was attended by Namangan Region Governor Shavkat Abdurazzakov, Uzbekhydroenergo Board Chairman Islam Abdurakhmonov, local district officials, contractors, and media representatives.

Kugai-1 has an installed capacity of 12 MW, while Kugai-2 has a capacity of 6 MW. Their combined 18 MW output increases the total installed capacity of the Namangan region's 10 existing hydroelectric stations by approximately 18%, up from 100.5 MW prior to the launch.

The new facilities utilize the water flow of the Great Andijan Canal to generate electricity without disrupting its primary water management functions. The hydrological regime, environment, and aquatic life remain unaffected by the operation.

The two stations are part of a broader US$54.7 million project to build a cascade of small hydroelectric plants along the canal, which also includes the upcoming Beshkurgan station. Upon full completion of all three plants, their total installed capacity will reach 23 MW, generating 172.5 million kWh of electricity annually.

Kugai-1 and Kugai-2 alone are projected to produce an average of 132.1 million kWh per year, providing sufficient electricity to power about 53,000 households annually. The operation of the two new plants is expected to save up to 40 million cubic meters of natural gas or 33,000 tonnes of coal each year.

The initiative aims to expand Uzbekistan's renewable energy share and diversify its power production. Ahead of the festive launch, Uzbekhydroenergo also organized a traditional sunnat-toy ceremony for 11 young boys from the Naryn district.