Uzbekistan plans to increase its electricity generation capacity to 46.1 GW by 2030, which would allow it to produce about 129 billion kWh annually. By 2035, capacity is expected to reach 57.2 GW, with generation hitting 154.7 billion kWh. These plans were reviewed on September 22 at a presentation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the development of the electric power sector.
The need to expand the energy system is driven by economic growth, population increase, and rising electricity consumption. By 2030, the economy is planned to reach $300 billion, and the population is expected to exceed 41 million. Industrial electricity consumption is projected to rise from the current 38 billion kWh to 53.5 billion kWh. Electric transport and data centers will also create additional demand.
If consumption grows at a moderate pace, the existing plans will maintain a balance between demand and generation. However, if industry, electric transport, and digital infrastructure develop more rapidly, additional generating capacity will be required. The president instructed that the energy sector be planned with an accelerated economic growth scenario in mind and that sufficient reserve capacity be created.
In this regard, the construction of additional wind power plants and energy storage systems, as well as the acceleration of solar and wind projects, is being considered. It was also proposed to review some projects with low economic efficiency, unclear funding sources, or long delays. When selecting new power plants, not only their capacity but also the cost of electricity, grid connection possibilities, compatibility with energy storage systems, and impact on the overall energy balance will be taken into account.
Currently, 26 energy storage projects with a total capacity of 4.2 GW have been formed, of which 17 are being implemented. Additional projects are to be prepared by 2030. Energy storage systems will accumulate electricity from solar and wind plants and feed it into the grid during evening peak hours. According to the presidential administration, this will reduce additional gas burning at traditional power plants and increase the stability of the energy system.
At present, the total capacity of solar and wind power plants in the country has exceeded 6.3 GW. The number of hydropower plants has surpassed 100, with their total capacity approaching 2.5 GW. Along with increasing generation capacity, the expansion of main power grids is planned. By 2030, it is planned to build 9 new 220 kV substations and 7 new 500 kV substations, as well as about 5,000 km of transmission lines.
In 2027–2029, a number of strategic 500 kV transmission lines and new substations are scheduled to be commissioned. The presentation discussed their construction progress, funding sources, and ways to eliminate delays. The issue of creating energy infrastructure for the digital economy in Karakalpakstan was also considered separately. It was proposed to link the wind power plants planned in the region with data centers with a total capacity of 1 GW. For this, a new 220 kV substation and transmission lines are to be built. According to officials, the project will serve to integrate data centers into the energy system and attract high-tech investment.
In late August, Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjayev announced that if current development rates continue, the share of "green" energy in Uzbekistan by 2030 could exceed the target of 54%. New projects include large thermal power plants, energy storage systems, and solar and wind power plants.
Source: www.gazeta.uz