Uzbekistan has put forward a proposal to Indian companies for the implementation of five promising energy projects, with a total estimated value of $3.4 billion. These projects cover various energy sectors, including the construction of high-voltage power lines, as well as the building of hydro and solar power plants. Indian companies are currently studying these proposals.
Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjayev announced this in an interview with the 'Uzbekistan 24' channel. Specific areas include the construction of battery storage power plants in Karakalpakstan and Tashkent region, as well as the erection of a new thermal power plant in Surkhandarya region. Additionally, there are plans to lay a major power transmission line connecting Tashkent and Namangan regions via the Kamchik Pass.
Another project involves creating a high-voltage power line that will connect Navoi and Tashkent regions. Khodjayev emphasized that current contracts with Indian companies already operating in Uzbekistan as contractors amount to over $2 billion. Now, the republic aims to increase the involvement of these companies by attracting Indian business not only for execution of works but also for investment in new projects.
When implementing these initiatives, special attention will be paid to localization principles. It is required that the workforce consists of Uzbek specialists, and the share of local participation in design must be at least 50%. Furthermore, 70% of the products used must be manufactured directly in Uzbekistan. The Minister also noted that Indian firms can assist in managing large-scale projects since the necessary teams in Uzbekistan have not yet been fully formed.
It was previously stated that electricity exports to Afghanistan would only take place after Uzbekistan's domestic demand is fully met. According to Sherzod Khodjayev, this primarily concerns seasonal surpluses that arise during periods of intensive generation from solar and wind power plants.