Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 April, during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to the Andijan region, discussions were held in Bulakbashi district on measures to promote economic and social development in the area, with a particular focus on the hydropower sector.

The initiative includes the construction of small and micro hydropower plants with capacities of up to 75 megawatts on high-flow irrigation canals in the region. Entrepreneurs involved in these projects will be eligible for preferential loans with a seven-year term, a 12% interest rate, and a three-year grace period.

During his visit, the President met with representatives of foreign companies interested in investing in the region. Ou Yanhong, Deputy Director of the Chinese company Zhejiang Jinlun Electromechanic Co., Ltd., presented proposals to enhance the hydropower potential of Andijan region.

It was announced that 763 small and micro hydropower stations with a combined capacity of 24 MW will be built in 2025, with an additional 20 MW to be added in 2026. Zhejiang Jinlun Electromechanic Co., Ltd., a company with over 60 years of experience in the sector, is actively collaborating with Uzbekhydroenergo JSC.

A key achievement of this cooperation is the localization of hydro unit production with capacities up to 40 MW in Uzbekistan, spearheaded by the joint venture UzHydroPower. These units will be manufactured in Tashkent region under the "Made in Uzbekistan" label and are intended not only for domestic use but also for export to neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

The joint venture UzHydroPower, founded by Uzbekhydroenergo JSC and Zhejiang Jinlun Electromechanic Co., Ltd., tailors hydro units to the needs of each individual project and produces critical components such as metal parts, gates, and hoisting mechanisms. This cooperation marks a significant milestone in Uzbekistan’s hydropower development, ensuring the production of high-tech equipment that meets modern standards and quality requirements.

In the future, hydro units and equipment produced through this localization initiative will be used in small and micro hydropower plants across Uzbekistan. This will not only reduce costs but also significantly boost the country’s hydropower capacity.