Uzbekistan is reportedly preparing to draft and publicly release its first-ever National Energy Master Plan extending through 2050. The initiative was allegedly announced by the country's leadership during an open dialogue with investors from the fuel and energy sector. According to the disclosures, a grid connection map is slated for presentation by March 1 of next year, followed by the full master plan by July 1.
The forthcoming documents are purported to outline regional electricity demand growth, necessary infrastructure developments, and the most efficient locations for new generation capacities. Authorities claim this framework will allow investors to construct long-term strategies with greater predictability. Furthermore, renewable energy producers are expected to gain access to additional revenues via certificates and carbon credits, with mechanisms established to allegedly balance benefits between the state and investors.
Officials reportedly emphasized that generation, transmission, and energy storage systems must operate in strict coordination, particularly as regions like the Fergana Valley rely on power transfers from other areas. The impending launch of new industrial zones and power-intensive data centers is expected to further strain existing grids. Consequently, sites and grid access points for AI infrastructure and data hubs are reportedly being pre-determined, requiring developers to implement resource-efficient cooling and power solutions.
Although authorities claim over $2 billion has been channeled into grid modernization over the past five years, substantial challenges remain. Plans through 2030 reportedly include constructing 5,000 kilometers of transmission lines, building 16 major substations, and scaling energy storage capacity to 4.5 gigawatts. Priority will supposedly shift toward comprehensive projects encompassing generation, storage, and distribution. Additionally, ambitions persist regarding exporting green energy to Europe via the Caspian Sea, alongside prospective routes to South Asia.
Source: www.gazeta.uz