In Uzbekistan, investors for energy projects will be attracted on an open and competitive selection basis

In Uzbekistan, investors for energy projects will be attracted through an open and competitive selection process

In Uzbekistan, the procedure for formulating investment projects in the energy sector and selecting investors will be updated. Under the new system, projects will be developed, first and foremost, based on the future needs of the economy, the population, and the regions, while the investor will be determined on an open and competitive selection basis.

According to the President's decree of September 22, in the process of formulating energy projects, the future needs of regions and sectors will first be identified. Following this, the necessary generation and infrastructure capacities will be planned.

Additionally, a system for formulating and approving a three-year plan for prospective investment projects will be introduced. For each project, information regarding its technical and economic indicators, implementation principles, sources of funding, required land plot, and infrastructure will be prepared.

The tender documentation for the projects will be developed by the client or the state partner with the involvement of local and international project institutions and will be publicly announced. The selection of investors will be carried out in accordance with the procedure established by law.

According to the decree, conducting direct negotiations with investors, granting individual privileges and preferences within the framework of projects, and starting projects not included in the investment plan are strictly prohibited. The construction and reconstruction of facilities simultaneously with the parallel development of design and estimate documentation are also not allowed (with the exception of facilities built at the expense of private investments).

The new approach is aimed at linking new capacities in the energy sector with long-term demand, pre-preparing projects, and organizing the investor selection process on a competitive basis.

At a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on September 22, it was announced that by 2030, the country's generation capacity will be increased to 46.1 GW, creating the capability to produce nearly 129 billion kWh of electricity per year.

Currently, 26 projects with a total capacity of 4.2 GW have been formulated for energy storage systems. Of these, 17 are in the implementation phase. It has been proposed to formulate additional new projects in this direction by 2030.