The key facts

  • By 2030 — 22,000 MW of new capacity, generation of over 129 billion kWh, renewables share — 54%
  • Ready-made projects will be put out to open tender with conditions announced in advance
  • Soon, 6 solar and wind power plants totaling 2,200 MW will go to tender; by March 1, 2027 — a grid connection opportunity map

A new stage of work with investors

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during an open dialogue with investors of the fuel and energy complex, said that the country is changing its approach to implementing energy projects. From now on, the need of each region for particular capacities will be planned in advance, and ready-made projects will be put out to open tender. According to the head of state, over the past years extensive experience has been accumulated in preparing projects and working with investors, and a new stage of cooperation is now beginning: every investment must not only create new capacity but also improve supply reliability and reduce losses.

Goals until 2030

By 2030, it is planned to create 22,000 MW of new capacity. As a result, annual electricity generation should exceed 129 billion kWh, and the share of renewable energy sources should reach 54%. It was noted that a recently signed decree clearly delineates the tasks of the state and business in the fuel and energy sector. The new stage will be built on open competition, transparent rules, and consistent fulfillment of agreed conditions.

Reasons for the change of approach

At the first stage, 'green' capacity projects, in order to be created quickly, were most often located on sites proposed by investors. This made it possible to attract significant funds, but in a number of places capacities became concentrated, and the costs of transmitting electricity to other regions grew. 'We need not separate power plants, but an interconnected energy system,' the president said. He also noted that 'the cheapest energy is saved energy' (according to Kun.uz).

Open tenders and equal conditions

For each project put out to tender, the land plot, the grid connection point, and deadlines will be announced in advance, as well as the terms of electricity purchase and payment. Requirements for all investors will be equal; payment discipline and risk-reduction mechanisms are being strengthened.

Next steps

In the near future, a project of six solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 2,200 MW will be put out to open tender. The president invited investors to take part in it. For the first time, the National General Energy Scheme until 2050 has been developed and will be openly published: by March 1, a map of grid connection opportunities will be presented, and by July 1 — the full general scheme.