The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has officially approved a $100 million loan, purportedly aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of the electricity distribution system in Uzbekistan. According to the bank's press service, the allocated funds will be channeled into large-scale infrastructure upgrades across the Central Asian nation.

The 'Electricity Distribution Networks Modernization' program is being implemented by the 'National Electric Grids of Uzbekistan' company. The initiative reportedly involves investments in the rehabilitation and digitalization of 60 key substations nationwide in an effort to mitigate energy losses and stabilize power supplies for end consumers.

In addition to hardware upgrades, the program allegedly seeks to strengthen the institutional capacity of the grid operator, improve financial management systems, and enhance cybersecurity measures. The project framework also mentions commitments to environmental and social standards, as well as promoting gender equality in employment within the sector.

Projections suggest that by 2031, the modernized substations will reduce annual electricity losses by 20,000 megawatt-hours. Furthermore, the program is intended to lay the groundwork for integrating at least 3.3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity into the grid, which proponents claim will help prevent thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Source: www.gazeta.uz