Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to build two pumped storage power plants in Uzbekistan during negotiations with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on May 27. The initiative aims to bolster energy cooperation between the two countries and enhance Uzbekistan's energy infrastructure.
Putin highlighted the promising prospects for cooperation in hydropower, emphasizing the role of RusHydro in supporting Uzbekistan's efforts to develop flexible generation capacities.
“There are good prospects for cooperation in hydropower. RusHydro is assisting Uzbekistan in creating flexible generation capacities that will help equalize the country’s energy balance and ensure uninterrupted operation of the entire energy system of Uzbekistan,” he said.
Projects Overview
Pumped storage power plants play a vital role in energy production by utilizing the gravitational potential energy of water. This technology allows for energy storage and generation, contributing to grid stability and peak demand management.
In July of 2023, Uzbekgidroenergo's head, Abdugani Sanginov, engaged in discussions with China Southern Power Grid, resulting in a memorandum of understanding for the construction of three hydroelectric power plants, including the Karateren facility (500 MW). Additionally, an agreement was reached for the joint construction of the Yukori Pskem pumped storage power plant (PSPP).
A pumped storage power plant functions similarly to a conventional hydroelectric station, utilizing water flow between upper and lower basins to generate electricity. During periods of low demand, surplus electricity is used to pump water from the lower basin to the upper one. When demand peaks, stored water is released to generate additional power, thus ensuring grid stability and reliability.
Earlier Daryo reported that Russia intends to build as many as six small nuclear reactors in Uzbekistan, employing the 55-megawatt RITM-200N design. These reactors will comprise a power generation complex in Jizzakh, located in central-eastern Uzbekistan, with a combined capacity of up to 330 megawatts. Successful completion of this project could result in the establishment of Central Asia's inaugural nuclear power plant.
#Russia to construct six 55MW mini #nuclear reactors in #Uzbekistan
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) May 28, 2024
These reactors collectively form a power production complex in Jizzakh, central-eastern Uzbekistan, with a total capacity of up to 330 megawatts, potentially establishing Central Asia’s first nuclear power… pic.twitter.com/BRrpDMGU2C
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