Currently, various investment initiatives are underway to enhance and modernize the primary power grids, substations, and digital technologies, with funding from Uzbekistan National Electric Networks JSC, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Mehri Valiyeva, Head of the Department at Uzbekistan National Electric Networks JSC, provided an update on the progress:
In 2024, a budget of $412 million was allocated for 23 major investment projects to achieve these aims. However, the actual expenditure exceeded this target, reaching $424.8 million, which is 103.1% of the planned amount.
As part of the investment program, a 550.5 km 220-500 kV primary power grid has been constructed and put into operation. Additionally, one new 500 kV substation with a capacity of 1002 megavolt-amperes and two new 220 kV substations with a combined capacity of 750 megavolt-amperes have been commissioned. Furthermore, four substations across the country have been upgraded to increase their capacity to 617 megavolt-amperes as part of the modernization and reconstruction program.
According to the Presidential Resolution of January 31, 2025, a total of 16 investment projects with a cost of $510.7 million will be implemented this year to develop main power grids and substations.
The funding for these projects will include $251.3 million in long-term and preferential loans from international financial institutions under government guarantees, $210 million in foreign direct investments, and $49.4 million from the joint-stock company’s own funds.
In 2025, two new 220-500 kV substations will be launched, along with the construction of 485 km of power transmission lines with a capacity of 102 megavolt-amperes, as part of the implementation of six investment projects with a total cost of $259.2 million.
Specifically, a 500 kV substation with a capacity of 1602 megavolt-amperes, a 220 kV transmission line, and 72 km of 500 kV transmission lines will be commissioned to ensure a reliable power supply for consumers in Tashkent and Tashkent region.
In addition, a 137 km 500 kV transmission line will be put into operation to integrate the 500 MW wind power plant currently under construction in Bukhara region into the national energy system.
To improve the quality of electricity supply to the technopark in Tashkent region, a 31 km 220 kV transmission line and a 220 kV substation with a capacity of 500 megavolt-amperes will be commissioned.
Furthermore, as part of the modernization program, five substations will be upgraded, adding 617 megavolt-amperes of additional capacity.
Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA