Over the past eight years, electricity generation in Uzbekistan has increased by 38%, reaching 81.5bn kilowatt-hours. The liberalization of the private sector has facilitated the addition of 11.2 gigawatts in capacity, raising private sector participation to 24% and boosting the share of renewable energy to 16%.
On January 28, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting to discuss the future of the electric power industry, outlining key measures for development from 2025 to 2035.
The country’s electricity consumption has surged due to rising household income and the adoption of modern appliances, with residential usage now exceeding 21bn kilowatt-hours—twice the level of 2016. With Uzbekistan’s population expected to reach 41mn by 2030 and the economy projected to expand 1.5 times, electricity demand is set to grow significantly. Forecasts indicate a need for 117bn kilowatt-hours in 2030 and 135bn in 2035, an increase of 1.7 times from current levels.
To meet this demand, authorities plan to invest in new power plants, energy storage facilities, and transmission networks. A total of 7,000 kilometers of main power lines will be constructed, and digital management systems will be introduced to balance regional energy supply. If one area experiences a shortage, additional capacity can be activated elsewhere. Over the next five years, $4bn investment will be required to upgrading Uzbekistan’s national electricity grid.
Reducing electricity costs is another priority, with Uzbekistan looking to maximize its potential for solar, wind, and hydropower. The country aims to increase the share of renewable energy in total generation to over 50% by 2030. As part of this transition, 3,000 micro-hydropower plants with a total capacity of 164 megawatts and additional 750 megawatts from solar and wind projects will be commissioned.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to adopt a resource-efficient economic model, noting that energy consumption in some industries—such as chemicals, metallurgy, and cement production—exceeds global averages. Authorities plan to cut energy use by 10-15% across sectors and reduce electricity losses from 14% to 8-9% by 2030.
To support energy infrastructure, Uzbekistan is collaborating with foreign investors on 24 large-scale projects worth $26bn. These initiatives will generate demand for local construction materials and equipment, creating opportunities for domestic enterprises.
Ensuring a stable electricity supply and developing skilled professionals for the sector were also key topics of discussion. Taking these factors into account, the government has been tasked with preparing a long-term program for the power sector’s development through 2035.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)