Uzbekistan launches largest energy facility in Central Asia
Power plants with a total capacity of 2,423 MW were commissioned on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of independence
On the eve of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence, a number of large energy facilities with a total capacity of 2,423 MW were commissioned in the country. The total cost of these projects is $1.7 billion and they are the largest energy facilities in Central Asia.
In particular, a thermal power plant with a capacity of 1,573 MW was commissioned in the Boyovut district of the Syrdarya region. This plant has a capacity to generate 13 billion kWh of electricity per year. Its efficiency is 61.7 percent, which allows saving 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. This project, with a total cost of $900 million, was implemented through direct investments in cooperation with a consortium of companies from France ("EDF"), Qatar ("Nebras Power"), Japan ("Sojitz Corporation" and "Kyuden International"). During the construction period, 3,000 jobs were created, and after the plant was commissioned, 120 permanent jobs were created.
In the Nurota district of the Navoi region, a 300 MW solar photovoltaic power plant and a 150 MW energy storage system were commissioned. This project, worth $ 390 million, was implemented in cooperation with the Chinese company "China Energy Overseas Investment" and created 30 permanent jobs. The project will generate 657 million kWh of "green" energy per year, which is equivalent to the annual consumption of 273 thousand households. It is also expected to save 175 million cubic meters of natural gas and prevent the release of 377 thousand tons of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
A 200 MW wind power plant and a 100 MW energy storage system were also commissioned in the Kara-Uzak district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The project cost $263 million and was implemented in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian company ACWA. As a result of this project, 701 million kWh of "green" energy will be produced annually, which is equivalent to the annual consumption of 292 thousand households. In addition, 187 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved and 403 thousand tons of harmful substances will be prevented from being released into the atmosphere. 25 permanent jobs were created as part of the project.
A 100 MW energy storage system was launched in the Uychi district of Namangan region. This project, worth $110 million, was implemented by the Chinese company China Energy Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. The project created the opportunity to reserve electricity twice a day, for 2 hours each time, with a capacity of 100 MW (200 MWh) and ensure the stability of the system during periods of high load on the power grid. After the project was launched, 30 permanent jobs were created.