Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed medium- and long-term plans for the electricity sector development, as well as considered proposals to change approaches to managing investment projects in the fuel and energy sector, according to the president's press service.
The presentation noted that energy development remains one of the key conditions for economic growth, attracting investments, and improving living standards. In recent years, private and foreign investments have been actively attracted to the sector, and projects for building new power plants, developing renewable energy sources, and modernizing network infrastructure have been implemented.
As a result of the reforms conducted, the total capacity of solar and wind power plants in the country has exceeded 6.3 GW. The number of hydroelectric power plants has exceeded 100, and their total capacity is close to 2.5 GW. Broader use of renewable energy sources also allows for significant annual savings in natural gas.
According to the presented forecasts, by 2030, the economy of Uzbekistan should reach a volume of 300 billion US dollars, and the population is predicted to exceed 41 million people. Only industrial electricity consumption can increase from the current 38 billion kWh to 53.5 billion kWh. The development of electric transport and data centers will create additional demand on the energy system.
In this regard, the task was set to increase generating capacities ahead of demand, expand network capacity, and maintain the necessary reserve.
According to the plan, by 2030, the total installed capacity of power plants should be 46.1 GW, ensuring an annual output of about 129 billion kWh. By 2035, this capacity is planned to increase to 57.2 GW, with expected annual generation reaching 154.7 billion kWh.
Various scenarios for changes in electricity demand were presented. Under moderate consumption growth until 2030, calculations show that generation and demand will remain in the required balance. However, accelerated development of the economy, industry, electric transport, and digital infrastructure will require additional capacity.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed officials to take into account high rates of economic growth when preparing energy plans and to ensure sufficient reserves in advance.
In particular, proposals were considered regarding the construction of additional wind power plants and energy storage systems, as well as accelerating solar and wind generation projects. Simultaneously, it was proposed to revise projects with low economic efficiency, lack of specific funding sources, or significantly delayed implementation timelines.
When selecting new power plants, it is proposed to consider not only capacity but also the cost of electricity generation, grid connection capabilities, compatibility with storage systems, and the object's impact on the overall energy balance.
Energy storage systems are gaining particular importance as the share of renewable energy grows. They allow for storing electricity generated by solar and wind plants during the day and using it during periods of peak evening demand. This reduces the need for additional generation from traditional power plants and increases the stability of the energy system.
Currently, 26 energy storage system projects with a total capacity of 4.2 GW have been formed, 17 of which are at the implementation stage. It is proposed to develop additional projects in this area until 2030.
At the same time, the expansion of the main transmission infrastructure is planned. By 2030, the construction of nine 220 kV substations and seven 500 kV substations, as well as the construction of nearly 5,000 kilometers of new power lines, is planned.
These facilities are intended to connect new power plants to the energy system and expand interregional electricity exchange capabilities. Projects concerning 500 kV lines and new substations scheduled for 2027–2029 were also discussed separately, including their financing and measures to eliminate delays.
Special attention was paid to the development of the digital economy infrastructure in Karakalpakstan using the region's wind potential. It is proposed to connect promising wind power plants in Karakalpakstan to data centers with a total capacity of 1 GW. To achieve this, the construction of a new substation and 220 kV power lines is planned. This infrastructure should connect data centers to the energy system, attract high-tech investments, and utilize the region's energy potential.
The presentation also reviewed proposals to change the procedure for developing and implementing investment projects in the energy sector. According to the current system, the investor often initiates the project, after which issues such as land allocation, grid connection, technical specifications, tariffs, and investment agreements are coordinated with various state bodies. Proponents of the proposals believe that this approach can lead to lengthy procedures, duplication of functions, and insufficient consideration of the energy system's needs.
Instead, it is proposed to form energy projects based on the projected demand of the economy, population, and regions. First, the required level of consumption is determined, followed by the corresponding generating capacity and infrastructure. The project is provided with a land plot, connection point, and technical solutions in advance, after which the investor is selected through an open competition.
Furthermore, the responsibilities of state bodies should be divided: the Ministry of Economy and Finance will forecast demand, the Ministry of Energy will be responsible for strategic planning and technical policy, and the Agency for Development and Regulation of the Energy Market will regulate market relations and tariffs. Agencies responsible for investments will attract investors through open tenders, while local authorities will handle issues related to land plots and necessary infrastructure.
It was also proposed to update the three-year investment plans annually based on accurate forecasts of energy resource needs by region and sector. This mechanism is designed to ensure more coordinated planning of power plant construction, networks, and associated infrastructure.
In the long term, a concept for ensuring the country's fuel and energy resources until 2050 is planned. The document must take into account the country's resource potential, demographic and economic changes, energy efficiency improvement, development of renewable and nuclear energy, as well as energy security. It is proposed to review this concept every five years.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that every new energy project must comply with the long-term needs of the economy and the population, while constantly maintaining a balance between electricity generation, network load, and consumption.
After the presentation, officials were instructed to ensure the timely launch of major ongoing projects, take measures against investors facing delays, develop generation and transmission networks in a balanced manner, expand energy storage systems, and implement a new model of planning and management in the sector.
