Two small hydroelectric power plants have been launched in the Namangan region.
In the Namangan region, the Kugai-1 and Kugai-2 small hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 18 MW were launched as part of the cascade project on the Grand Andijan Canal.
Two new small hydroelectric power plants (SHPs) have been commissioned in the Namangan region.
On August 25, the Kugai-1 and Kugai-2 small hydroelectric power plants (SHPs) with a combined installed capacity of 18 MW were launched in the Uchkurgan and Naryn districts of the Namangan region, according to Uzbekhydroenergo JSC.
These plants, built on the Grand Andijan Canal, were commissioned in anticipation of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's state independence. The opening ceremony was held on August 25 with the participation of Namangan Region Governor Shavkat Abdurazakov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekhydroenergo JSC Islam Abdurakhmanov, representatives of the Uchkurgan and Naryn district khokimiyats, heads of contracting and construction organizations, local activists, and media representatives.
The Kugai-1 hydroelectric power plant has an installed capacity of 12 MW, and the Kugai-2 hydroelectric power plant has an installed capacity of 6 MW. Their combined capacity of 18 MW increases the installed capacity of the ten existing hydroelectric power plants in the Namangan region by approximately 18%. Before the commissioning of the new facilities, this figure stood at 100.5 MW.
The new capacity is being created by utilizing the existing watercourse of the Great Andijan Canal. The canal will continue to fulfill its primary water management function while simultaneously utilizing the watercourse's energy potential for electricity generation.
The Kugai-1 and Kugai-2 hydroelectric power plants are part of a project to create a cascade of small hydroelectric power plants on the Great Andijan Canal, with a total cost of $54.7 million. In addition to the two facilities already in operation, the project includes the construction of the Beshkurgan station.
After completion, the total installed capacity of the three stations will reach 23 MW, and their annual electricity generation will be 172.5 million kWh. The average annual output of Kugai-1 and Kugai-2 is estimated at 132.1 million kWh. The electricity they produce is estimated to be sufficient to power approximately 53,000 households annually.
Full commissioning of the facilities will result in annual savings of up to 40 million cubic meters of natural gas or 33,000 tons of coal. According to the data presented, the construction and operation of the stations does not impact the hydrological regime, does not harm hydrobiological structures, and does not lead to negative changes in the environment or nature.
Using the canal's existing infrastructure allows for the creation of new energy capacity without changing its primary water management function. The project also aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources and diversify electricity production.
The company noted that the new stations create additional opportunities for the development of hydropower in the Namangan region and increase the potential of Uzbekistan's green energy sector. In anticipation of the festive events, Uzbekhydroenergo JSC also organized a sunnat-toi ceremony for 11 boys from the Naryn district. Festive events and special attention were provided to the children.
The company expressed confidence that the younger generation will become qualified specialists and contribute to the development of the Naryn district and Uzbekistan, including hydropower.