Uzbekistan to expand small hydropower to 204.8 MW by 2030

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan plans to increase the total capacity of its small and micro-hydropower plants to 204.8 MW by 2030 and generate 620 million kWh of clean electricity annually, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on measures to accelerate the development of the sector. The Uzbek presidential press service reported this.

The development of small and micro-hydropower is being considered as one way to expand the use of renewable energy sources and make more effective use of water resources. Such plants are expected to help supply electricity to remote areas, reduce grid losses and attract private investment.

Under a resolution adopted last year, around 3,000 small and micro-hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 164 MW are to be built with private-sector participation. So far, 64 facilities with a total capacity of 41.6 MW have been commissioned. Of the nearly 3,000 planned projects, initiators have been identified for only 932.

The meeting also highlighted the slow use of US$150 million in concessional financial resources allocated with the participation of the World Bank. Entrepreneurs and investors continue to have questions about the conditions for building the plants and selling the electricity they generate.

To address these issues, it was proposed that auctions should set not only the starting project price but also a minimum tariff for purchasing electricity. The tariff is to be differentiated according to the plant's capacity.

According to the developers of the measures, this should prevent projects from being won at a “zero” price and subsequently left unimplemented, while providing investors with clearer operating conditions.

The design and construction of micro-hydropower plants with a capacity of up to 100 kW are to be moved to a simplified procedure. For facilities with a capacity of up to 50 kW, the authorities propose abolishing the examination of urban planning documentation and state architectural and construction supervision.

It will also be permitted to alter the structures of canals, rivers and riverbeds to create additional water pressure. The construction of small and micro-hydropower plants at water-management facilities for their own needs will also be allowed without an auction.

A digital platform is planned to manage the sector and cover the entire project cycle, from identifying suitable sites to commissioning and operating the plants. A unified methodological guide for the design, construction and operation of the facilities and a separate procedure for projects involving the private sector are also planned.

Dependence on imported equipment remains one of the sector's challenges. Currently, about 90% of the hydro units and components required for small and micro-hydropower plants are imported.

In this regard, the authorities proposed using the experience of JSC Uzbekhydroenergo, which has built 46 small and micro-hydropower plants, and providing entrepreneurs with integrated services covering design, construction and installation work, and equipment supplies. A list of hydro units and components whose production could be localized in Uzbekistan will also be prepared.

The potential for small hydropower on canals was also discussed. Uzbekistan's network of rivers and canals has a combined length of more than 173,000 km. Relevant authorities were instructed to inventory concrete-lined canals and identify additional opportunities for locating small and micro-hydropower plants.

The new capacity is expected to provide “green” electricity to 350,000 households by 2030, save 187 million cubic meters of natural gas annually and prevent emissions of 311,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Dual education is also planned to be introduced from the new academic year to train specialists in small-scale “green” energy. Students will receive practical training at energy companies, including small hydropower facilities.

Following the presentation, Mirziyoyev instructed officials to accelerate project implementation, expand private investment, ensure the effective use of financial resources, localize equipment production and train qualified specialists.