Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Sept. 20 / Trend D. Azizov /
Uzbekistan plans to attract a loan of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to the amount of $ 100 million for a project to modernize two hydropower stations in the Tashkent region in 2012, a representative of Uzbekenergo company told Trend on Tuesday.
IDB loan funds will be used to modernize and increase the capacity of Farkhad hydropower station and Bozsu HPP Cascade (HPP‐14).
According to the source, the main details of the project, included in the cooperation program of IDB and the Uzbek government in 2011-2013, have been agreed with the bank's management. The IDB Board of Directors is expected to consider the issue of allocating a loan by late 2012.
At present, "Uzbekenergo" is choosing the contractors for equipment supply within the modernization. The main tender will be announced in late October this year.
The modernization operations involve replacing power generators and turbines, as well as electrical equipment, communication systems.
Besides IDB funds, the project worth $165.7 million will be financed through Uzbekenergo's funds and the state budget.
At present, the power system of Uzbekistan has 45 power plants with a total capacity of more than 12,400 MW, including the total power of 16 power stations of Uzbekenergo - 12,040 MW.
In 2011, electricity production in Uzbekistan increased by 1.3 percent up to 52.416 billion kilowatt-hours compared to 2010.