Rabat hydropower plant starts generating electricity in Kashkadarya

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The 6.2 MW Rabat hydropower plant was officially inaugurated in the Shakhrisabz district of Kashkadarya region on 26 August. Built by Uzbekhydroenergo, the plant is expected to generate an average of 26.2 million kWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of nearly 11,000 households, Uzbekhydroenergo said.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Shakhrisabz district administration, Uzbekhydroenergo, regional enterprises within the sector, contractors and construction companies, energy specialists, local activists and media representatives.

The Rabat hydropower project was implemented to increase generating capacity, support the socio-economic development of Shakhrisabz district and improve living standards for the local population.

The plant is expected to save 8 million cubic meters of natural gas and 6,700 tonnes of coal annually. Its operation is also expected to help reduce harmful atmospheric emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.

Construction of the Rabat hydropower plant is being carried out under Presidential Resolution No. PP-163. Total investment in the Rabat, Chappasuy and Tamshush hydropower projects in Kashkadarya region amounts to $69.5 million, including $20.4 million allocated directly to the Rabat plant.

As part of the same investment project, two additional hydropower plants — Chappasuy and Tamshush — are planned to be commissioned in Kashkadarya region. Their launch is expected to expand the region’s hydropower potential and increase electricity generation from renewable sources.

Uzbekhydroenergo said the development of the new facilities is also aimed at improving the efficiency of hydropower resources and ensuring a stable response to growing electricity demand.