During a meeting to discuss ways to improve energy supply and plans for the hydropower industry in Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that 50 prospective sites for new micro hydropower plants have been selected. He emphasized the government's commitment to utilizing all types of energy to develop the country's system, including the building of new solar, wind, and hydroelectric stations, as well as expanding existing capacities.
Over the past few years, 27 hydropower projects worth $500 million have been implemented, adding a capacity of 260 MW to the Uzbekhydroenergo system. This year, seven hydro plants and 10 micro hydroelectric plants with a total capacity of 197 MW are scheduled to be commissioned. Additionally, work on eight prospective projects and the construction of 50 micro hydroelectric plants with a capacity of 438 MW is set to commence.
The president acknowledged the high potential of the hydropower sector and instructed that its capacities be substantially increased. To this end, 250 prospective sites for the construction of micro hydropower plants have been selected. These new micro hydroelectric power stations are estimated to be able to generate 675 million kWh of electricity and save 200 million cubic meters of gas per year.
See also: Downing Acquires 6 GWh Norwegian Hydro Plant in £3 Million Sustainable Investment Deal
The president also noted an increase in interest from businessmen due to the attractive prices of electricity produced by micro hydropower projects. He mentioned the possibility of selling solar and wind energy at similar prices, and instructed that hybrid plants (wind- and solar-powered plants) be built on free sites around hydroelectric power plants. Due to the availability of ready infrastructure, the cost of construction of such plants will be low.
In terms of localization in the industry, the president instructed the establishment of production of equipment for micro hydropower and hydroelectric units by JSC Suvsanoatmash in the Tashkent region.
