Uzbekistan Builds First 500 kV Digital Substation “Kol’tsevaya”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Uzbekistan, the annual demand for electricity grows on average by 5–6%.

According to forecasts, by 2050 electricity demand could triple due to the country’s economic development and population growth, the World Bank Office in Uzbekistan reports. To meet this increasing demand, the share of renewable energy in electricity generation is planned to reach 54% by 2030.

However, the existing power grids are not designed to accommodate increased generation, particularly from renewable sources, which leads to energy losses and potential supply disruptions.

As part of the “Power Sector Transformation and Sustainable Electricity Transmission” project, implemented by JSC “National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan” (NESU) with financial support from the World Bank totaling US$427 million, key infrastructure is being modernized.

In the Kuyi-Chirchik district of Tashkent region, a new 500 kV substation named “Kol’tsevaya” is under construction. This will be the first digital substation in the country, featuring advanced monitoring and control systems, which will improve network efficiency and reliability while reducing electricity losses.

Additionally, new 220 kV and 500 kV overhead transmission lines are being laid to ensure effective long-distance energy delivery.

The substation will receive electricity from power plants in the Syrdarya region as well as from wind farms in the southwest, ensuring stable power supply to Tashkent city and Syrdarya region, with a combined population of around six million people.

During a recent visit to Uzbekistan, Felipe Goya, Head of the World Bank’s Procurement Department for Europe and Central Asia, reviewed the construction progress of the “Kol’tsevaya” substation.