Turkish conglomerate Cengiz Holding purportedly plans to finalize and launch a 550-megawatt combined-cycle gas turbine power plant in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region by the end of 2026. The announcement was reportedly made by the company's board chairman, Mehmet Cengiz, following high-level discussions with the local leadership. While presented as a major boost to regional energy supplies, large-scale foreign energy projects often face scrutiny regarding long-term financial commitments and market integration.

According to the Turkish businessman, the ongoing energy initiative in Jizzakh is estimated to cost around 800 million dollars, marking the company's third major energy undertaking in the country. Cengiz claimed that total investments in the local economy have supposedly surpassed 900 million dollars. Once operational, the new facility is expected to bring the holding's total installed capacity in Uzbekistan to 1,010 megawatts, though discrepancies remain between corporate statements and project documentation.

During the talks, the parties allegedly explored possibilities for expanding cooperation into fourth and fifth investment projects, including potential participation in the controversial 'New Tashkent' urban development initiative. Discussions further touched upon upgrading electrical distribution grids, natural gas supply infrastructure, and geological exploration ventures, raising questions about the systematic load on local resources.

Source: www.gazeta.uz