BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 18. The USAID introduced two devices using laser-based, cutting-edge technology for wind measurement to Uzbekistan, Communications Specialist at USAID Mission to Uzbekistan Sanobar Khudaybergenova told Trend.
“These tools can measure wind speed and direction up to 200 meters above ground level, which will provide the capability to develop highly accurate wind resource maps that can then be used for profitable wind power projects,” Khudaybergenova said.
Besides that, Khudaybergenova noted that USAID conducted grid integration studies for renewable energy (RE) development in Uzbekistan.
“Detailed power system modeling and analysis was performed in collaboration with local experts from the National Dispatch Center (NDC) and Coordination Dispatch Center (CDC) to understand the impact of RE development on the physical grid, its operation and reserve requirements,” she said.
According to Khudaybergenova, this resulted in recommendations for upgrades to allow higher penetration of clean wind and solar energy.
Earlier in April, Uzbek Ministry of Energy said it plans to put into operation a new wind power plant by 2024. Once launched, the power plant will generate 350 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which will provide electricity to more than 120,000 households.
After the plant is be commissioned, it will save 106 million cubic meters of natural gas per year and prevent the emission of 160,000 tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. During the construction of the new wind power plant, 400 people will be involved, and when the plant is put into operation, 30 new jobs will be created.
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