BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Uzbekistan plans
to expand the capacity of its small and micro hydropower plants to
204.8 megawatts by 2030 as the country seeks to make greater use of
renewable energy sources and its water resources.
This was reflected in the statement by the press service of the
Uzbek president, following a presentation during which President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on measures to accelerate the
sector’s development.
During a presentation on the further expansion of the small and
micro hydropower network, officials reviewed the progress of
projects and measures to attract private investment, localize
equipment production and improve conditions for investors.
Under a government resolution adopted last year, the country
plans to build about 3,000 small and micro hydropower plants with a
combined capacity of 164 MW with private-sector participation.
So far, 64 facilities with a total capacity of 41.6 MW have been
commissioned, representing about a quarter of the planned capacity.
Project developers have been identified for 932 of the nearly 3,000
planned facilities.
The statement also noted slow utilization of $150 million in
concessional financing allocated with the participation of the
World Bank.
Entrepreneurs and investors continue to raise questions over
construction conditions and the terms for selling electricity
generated by the plants.
To address these concerns, officials proposed establishing a
minimum electricity purchase tariff at auctions alongside the
initial project price and differentiating the tariff based on plant
capacity. The measure is intended to prevent projects from being
won at a “zero” price and subsequently remaining unimplemented,
while providing investors with clearer and more predictable
conditions.
Construction and design of micro hydropower plants with capacity
of up to 100 kilowatts will also be simplified. Projects of up to
50 kW will be exempt from urban planning documentation reviews and
state architectural and construction supervision.
The government will also allow modifications to canals, rivers
and riverbeds to create additional water pressure. Small and micro
hydropower plants may be built at water infrastructure facilities
for internal needs without an auction.
A digital platform will be introduced to cover the entire
project cycle, from identifying suitable sites to commissioning and
operating hydropower facilities. Authorities will also develop
unified guidelines for the design, construction and operation of
plants, as well as procedures for implementing projects with
private-sector participation.
Another challenge is the sector’s reliance on imported
equipment. About 90% of hydropower units and components required
for small and micro hydropower plants are currently imported.
The statement highlighted the experience of Uzbekhydroenergo,
which has built 46 small and micro hydropower plants, and proposed
providing entrepreneurs with integrated services covering design,
construction and installation, and equipment supply.
A list of hydropower units and components with potential for
local production will also be prepared and presented to businesses
and investors.
Uzbekistan has more than 173,000 kilometers of rivers and
canals, creating significant potential for additional small and
micro hydropower projects, particularly on concrete-lined canals.
Relevant agencies were instructed to conduct a comprehensive
inventory of such facilities and identify additional sites for
development.
By 2030, the government aims to increase the capacity of small
and micro hydropower plants to 204.8 MW and generate 620 million
kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually.
The target is expected to provide green electricity to about
350,000 households, save 187 million cubic meters of natural gas
annually and prevent 311,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide
emissions each year.
Starting with the new academic year, Uzbekistan will also
introduce a dual education system to train skilled workers for the
small-scale green energy sector. Energy companies, including small
hydropower facilities, will serve as practical training bases for
students.
Mirziyoyev instructed relevant authorities to accelerate the
implementation of planned projects, attract more private
investment, ensure efficient use of financial resources, localize
equipment production and strengthen workforce training in the
sector.
