TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 1. Uzbekistan plans to increase the total capacity of hydroelectric power plants to 6,000 MW by 2030 by attracting foreign investment and the private sector, Trend reports.
The remark was made by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting with the representatives of the country’s energy sector authorities.
During the meeting, the participants discussed projects implemented in the hydropower sector, as well as the tasks of preparing the energy system for the autumn-winter season in Uzbekistan.
As per initial estimates, the hydropower potential of Uzbekistan amounts to 8,000 MW, but now only 2,200 MW are utilized.
Mirziyoyev stated that to tackle the issue, a 20-year lease of land has been introduced by entrepreneurs wishing to organize small and micro hydropower plants, as well as a system of guaranteed purchase of electricity produced by them by the state.
As per the president’s press service, hydroelectric power plants are the most effective means of normalizing the daily energy balance. The cost of electricity received at the HPP is much cheaper compared to other sources. Therefore, much attention is paid to the development of this direction.
Earlier this year, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan discussed the implementation of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant project.
In the establishment of a joint venture among these countries, it is proposed that Kyrgyzstan will hold 34 percent of the shares, while Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will collectively own 66 percent, with 33 percent each.