“Green” energy in Uzbekistan: prospects of solar and wind power plants

In Uzbekistan, there is a huge potential for the utilization of renewable energy sources. According to the estimations of the International Energy Agency and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Uzbekistan has a combined renewable energy potential of 2,091 billion kWh for electricity production, which is thirty times higher than the annual consumption. In recent years, there has been a significant focus on developing this potential.

Uzbekistan is a country that boasts around 320 sunny days each year, making it a prime candidate for the development of solar energy. Uzbekistan has a total potential of 2,058 billion kWh for solar energy. The regions with the greatest potential for solar energy development are Surkhandarya, Bukhara, and Kashkadarya, where each panel can generate an average output of 1,680-1,700 kW per year. The regions with the highest average level of solar radiation are Karakalpakstan, Syrdarya, and Tashkent, while the regions of the Fergana Valley have the lowest levels. Currently, there are 8 public-private partnership projects underway to develop Uzbekistan's solar energy potential, which will produce 4.3 billion kWh (1.6 GW) of electricity for a total investment of $1.3 billion.

Uzbekistan has significant potential for wind energy in its north-western and south-western regions. According to estimates, the gross potential of wind energy in the country ranges from 22 to 4,090 billion kWh, with a technical potential of over 9.9 billion kWh. The highest potential for wind energy is in Karakalpakstan (4.4 billion kWh), Navoi (2.9 billion kWh), and Bukhara (1 billion kWh) regions. If the wind energy potential is realized, it could save 3.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. Currently, several wind energy projects, including 7 PPP, have been implemented, producing 11.3 billion kWh (3.1 GW) valued at $3.6 billion.

It is important to highlight that our country is placing significant emphasis on the development of a sustainable "green economy", with a specific focus on "green energy". As part of these efforts, we have taken a bold step towards increasing our electricity production through the use of renewable energy sources.

In particular, 21 agreements were signed in the last 4-5 years with international companies on the construction of solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 7,047 megawatts, and 5 contracts for the transportation of electricity produced for their own needs with a total capacity of 2,030 megawatts. To ensure the implementation of these projects, 15 decrees were signed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In particular, 19 solar photovoltaic projects with a total capacity of 3,977 megawatts and 7 wind power plants with a total capacity of 3,100 megawatts are being implemented.

These investment projects are carried out by ACWA Power of Saudi Arabia, “Masdar” of the United Arab Emirates, “Total Eren”, Voltalia of France, “Gezhouba Overseas Investment Group” of China and “Tepelen Group AG” of Switzerland.

The total cost of these projects is more than US $ 9 billion, all of which will be carried out by foreign companies at the expense of direct investments.

As a result of the efforts, the first 100 megawatt-capacity large solar photovoltaic station in Uzbekistan was launched in the Karmana District of Navoi region in August 2021. Likewise, the second 100 megawatt-capacity solar photovoltaic plant began operations in Nurabad District of Samarkand region in May 2022.

Moreover, in 2023-2024, 7 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 2,797 megawatts will be put into operation, including in Sherabad of Surkhandarya region, Gallaorol of Jizzakh region, Kattakurgan of Samarkand region, Tomdi of Navoi region, Yukori Chirchik districts of Tashkent region, as well as in Kashkadarya, Bukhara and Namangan regions.

In 2025, 2 wind farms with a capacity of 500 megawatts will be commissioned in Peshku and Gijduvan districts of Bukhara region and 2026, 4 wind farms with a total capacity of 1,600 megawatts will be commissioned in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

It should be noted that as a result of systematic work, by 2026, solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of more than 8,000 megawatts, and hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of 868 megawatts will begin to work in Uzbekistan.

Currently, the tender for the construction of a 200-megawatt wind power plant is ongoing in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

In addition, on February 16, 2023, PD-57 was adopted by the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On measures to accelerate the introduction of renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies in 2023", according to which by the end of 2023 the total capacity of 1,8 GW of renewable energy devices are planned to be put into operation.

Another historical step was taken in the field.

Uzbekistan has implemented a new practice of purchasing solar panel-generated electricity from households for the first time.

Installing solar panels and solar water heating devices in apartments offers numerous benefits to individuals. A new platform, located at https://energymarket.uz, has been launched for individuals to conveniently purchase solar panels and solar water heating devices online. These energy-efficient devices can be obtained in two different ways: through interest-free (0%) pay-by-pay instalments over a period of three years, or through a full purchase, which would entitle the consumer to state compensation based on their capacity.

Prospects of "green" energy

The "Development Strategy of the New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026" outlined the following goals: to increase the volume of electricity generation by an additional 30 billion kWh by 2026, to bring the share of RES to 25% by 2026, to reduce the amount of harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere per unit of GDP by economic sectors by 10%. According to the EBRD estimates given in the "Roadmap for Uzbekistan's transition to low-carbon energy until 2040", renewable energy capacity should reach 47 GW, 97 GW by 2050, and electricity storage capacity by 15 GW (39 GW).

It is important to note that using renewable energy sources can help save natural resources and reduce the damage caused to nature. This can also help relieve the power grids, prevent accidents, reduce technological losses, and most importantly, encourage the transition to eco-friendly, "green" energy. These efforts are crucial not just for the present but also for the future.

Abdullajon Оtabaev,

Director of the Department of the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan