Uzbekistan intends to accelerate the construction of small and micro hydroelectric power plants: a simplified procedure will be introduced for facilities up to 100 kW, while plants up to 50 kW will be exempt from some expert assessments and construction supervision. Modifications to the design of canals, rivers, and channels will also be permitted to create additional water pressure.
On August 19, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals for the further development of the small and micro hydroelectric power station network.
According to a decree adopted last year, the country plans to build approximately 3,000 small and microhydropower plants with a total capacity of 164 MW, with private sector participation. However, only 64 facilities with a capacity of 41.6 MW have been commissioned so far—about a quarter of the planned capacity.
Of the nearly 3,000 planned projects, initiators have been identified for only 932. The pace of implementation of the $150 million in concessional resources allocated with the World Bank’s participation also remains low.
The presentation noted that entrepreneurs and investors still have questions about the conditions for constructing the stations and selling the generated electricity.
In this regard, it has been proposed to establish not only the starting price of the project but also a minimum electricity purchase tariff at auctions. This tariff is planned to be differentiated depending on the plant’s capacity.
This approach is expected to address the problem of projects that were won at auctions at a “zero” price but subsequently were never implemented, as well as to make the conditions for investors clearer and more stable.
A simplified procedure will be introduced for microhydroelectric power plants up to 100 kW.
The design and construction of microhydroelectric power plants with a capacity of up to 100 kW is planned to be transferred to a simplified procedure.
It is proposed to exempt facilities with a capacity of up to 50 kW from the examination of urban planning documentation and state architectural and construction supervision.
In addition, it will be permitted to change the design of canals, rivers and channels to create additional water pressure .
Small and micro hydroelectric power plants will also be allowed to be built at water management facilities for their own needs without an auction.
To support projects, it is planned to launch a digital platform that will cover the entire process—from identifying suitable sites to commissioning stations and their subsequent operation.
It is also planned to develop a unified methodological guide for the design, construction, and operation of small hydroelectric power plants and a separate procedure for implementing projects with the participation of the private sector.
90% of equipment is still imported
One of the industry’s challenges remains its high dependence on imports. Currently, approximately 90% of hydroelectric units and components for small and micro hydropower plants are imported.
The presentation highlighted Uzbekhydroenergo’s experience in constructing 46 small and microhydropower plants. It is proposed to leverage the company’s capabilities to provide entrepreneurs with comprehensive services, from design and construction to equipment delivery.
A list of hydroelectric units and components that could be localized in Uzbekistan will also be compiled. The corresponding proposals are planned to be presented to entrepreneurs and investors.
The potential of the channels will be re-evaluated
The total length of the network of rivers and canals in Uzbekistan exceeds 173 thousand kilometers.
Authorities believe that additional potential for small hydropower exists, particularly in concrete-lined canals. Responsible agencies have been instructed to conduct a full inventory of such facilities and identify new project sites.
By 2030, the capacity of small hydroelectric power plants is expected to reach 204.8 MW.
By 2030, the installed capacity of small and micro hydroelectric power plants is planned to be increased to 204.8 MW, and annual generation to 620 million kWh of electricity.
According to government estimates, this will be enough to provide green electricity to approximately 350,000 households.
The development of small hydropower is expected to save 187 million cubic meters of natural gas annually and prevent the emission of approximately 311 thousand tons of carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, starting in the new academic year, a dual education system is planned for training specialists in small-scale green energy. Students will complete their internships at energy companies, including small hydropower facilities.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed to expedite project implementation, expand private investor participation, more effectively utilize financial resources, localize equipment production, and strengthen specialist training.
Google machine translated