Uzbekistan plans to install 752 megawatts (MW) of solar power plants and 812 MW of energy storage capacity at large enterprises and tourist resorts by 2027, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s energy stability and meet growing demand in Tashkent.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was recently briefed on the capital’s energy situation, where rapid urban growth and rising living standards are driving consumption. In the past year, 12,000 new energy, trade, and service facilities have been launched in Tashkent, while household appliance usage continues to increase.
Over the past two years, UZS 2.8 trillion ($222.5mn) have been allocated to improve Tashkent’s electricity supply. The city has renovated 36 substations, 665 transformers, and more than 2,000 kilometers of power lines. Despite these upgrades, challenges remain.
Forty-six substations and 207 transformers are currently operating at overload. Since the start of the year, the number of electricity consumers in the capital has increased by 40,000, with overall demand rising by 6%.
Prolonged heat waves have also put additional strain on the system. While hot summer days previously lasted about a week, this year they extended to 20 days, pushing July consumption above 900mn kilowatt-hours.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Energy has prepared district- and neighborhood-level modernization plans. In 2025, the first stage will see 374 kilometers of networks, 11 substations, and 62 transformers upgraded. In the following year, another 788 kilometers of networks, 35 substations, and 145 transformers will be modernized. Plans also include repairing existing transformers and installing new equipment in residential areas.
The president stressed the need to complete this year’s upgrades by November 1 to prepare for the autumn-winter season. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to shift industrial enterprises to alternative energy sources.
Officials also reported on progress in nuclear energy development. Work continues on a small-capacity nuclear power plant, with each stage from design to completion set to meet the strictest safety standards under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
President Mirziyoyev instructed the government to ensure the timely commissioning of planned facilities and tasked the Cabinet of Ministers with holding weekly discussions on improving energy efficiency.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)