Uzbekistan aims to raise the share of renewable energy in its power mix to 54% by 2030, though at the current pace of development that figure could end up higher. Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjaev made the projection to the Uzbekistan 24 Tv channel following a ceremony marking the launch of new energy facilities across the country's provinces.
According to the minister, the event — held with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in attendance — marked the commissioning of five energy facilities worth a combined 20 trillion soums.
"Each of these facilities is unique in its own right. Notably, one of the largest thermal power plants in Central Asia has now come online, along with two of the province's largest energy storage systems," Khodjaev said.
In the Nurota district of Navoi province, he added, a combined project has begun operating that generates solar power and stores it using battery systems.
"The launch of these projects will undoubtedly strengthen Uzbekistan's energy independence and lay the groundwork for attracting new investment. It's worth noting that renewable energy plays a major role among today's newly launched projects," the minister said.
In Karakalpakstan, a 200-megawatt wind farm was brought online — the second phase of a project in Karauzyak district. "Our president launched the first phase of this project two years ago. This is the second phase. Overall, the pace of renewable energy development in Uzbekistan is very high. We've been tasked with reaching a 54% share by 2030, but I think if we maintain this pace, we'll be able to achieve an even higher result," Khodjaev said.
He added that the investment climate and conditions created in the country are helping draw foreign investors into the energy sector.
At the ceremony attended by President Mirziyoyev, officials announced the launch of 72 major investment projects and 91 social infrastructure facilities worth a combined 50 trillion soums.
Among them were energy facilities across several provinces. In Syrdarya province, new generation capacity totaling 1,573 megawatts came online; in Karakalpakstan, a 200-megawatt wind farm and a 100-megawatt energy storage system were launched; and in Navoi province, new projects are expected to generate 657 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Officials also announced the launch of a 300-megawatt solar plant with a 150-megawatt storage system in the Nurota district of Navoi province. Provinceal authorities said the combined capacity of solar and wind facilities now operating in Navoi province has reached approximately 2 gigawatts.
In Namangan province, a 200-megawatt energy storage facility worth $200 million was unveiled. The province is also home to two 500-megawatt solar plants, while hydropower projects with a combined capacity of roughly 300 megawatts are being developed in the Chust, Chartak, Norin and Uychi districts. An additional 200-megawatt project has been announced for Pop district.
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