Uzbekistan and France Discuss New Energy Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamahmudov held a meeting with Claude Imauven, chairman of the France–Uzbekistan Business Council under the MEDEF International organization, and Walid Fouque, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Uzbekistan.

The parties discussed the further development of their strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in the energy sector, and the implementation of new investment projects.

During the talks, it was noted that the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France, as well as the trusting dialogue between the leaders of the two countries, contributed to bringing bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

The meeting participants also emphasized the significance of the recent visit of the Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva to France and her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. According to their assessment, contacts at the highest and high levels create conditions for expanding business cooperation and promoting new investment projects, including those in the energy sector.

According to the Ministry of Energy, three major energy projects with a total value of US$2 billion are currently being implemented in Uzbekistan with the participation of French companies. In addition, work is underway on another six prospective projects with a combined value of US$1.8 billion. The total portfolio of joint initiatives in the energy industry exceeds US$4 billion.

Special attention at the meeting was paid to cooperation with the company EDF. Projects for the construction of modern combined-cycle gas turbine power plants with a total capacity of more than 3.1 GW are being implemented in the Syrdarya and Surkhandarya regions. As noted, the commissioning of these facilities should contribute to increasing the efficiency of electricity generation, strengthening energy security, and ensuring a reliable power supply.

The parties also noted the contribution of TotalEnergies and Voltalia to the development of renewable energy in Uzbekistan. The French companies are participating in the implementation of projects for the construction of solar and wind power plants, as well as energy storage systems.

During the meeting, representatives of the French companies presented technologies, investment proposals, and initiatives for the implementation of new projects.

The sides discussed prospects for developing modern energy infrastructure, constructing new generating capacities, main electrical grids, and energy storage systems, improving industrial and gas transport infrastructure, increasing energy efficiency, introducing digital solutions, and cooperating in personnel training and the exchange of experience.

Following the negotiations, the participants confirmed their intention to consistently expand investment cooperation, introduce modern technologies, and jointly implement new projects in the energy industry.