Energy Infrastructure - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan’s Largest Hydropower Plant Boosts Generating Capacity

On November 19, Kyrgyzstan launched the modernized hydroelectric generating unit No. 1 at the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), the country’s largest power facility. Located on the Naryn River, the Toktogul HPP generates approximately 40% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity. The modernization of hydroelectric unit No. 1 began in March 2024 and has increased its generating capacity by 60 MW. Prior to this upgrade, the Toktogul HPP had a total capacity of 1,200 MW, with each of its four units producing 300 MW. Two units had already been upgraded in previous phases, collectively adding 120 MW to the plant's total capacity. The reconstruction of the fourth and final hydroelectric unit is scheduled for 2025. Once the modernization project is complete, Toktogul HPP will gain an additional 240 MW of generating capacity, extending its service life by 25–30 years. The $210 million rehabilitation project is funded by a $110 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and $100 million from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD). With a total volume of 19.5 billion cubic meters, the Toktogul HPP reservoir plays a dual role in meeting Kyrgyzstan's energy demands and providing essential irrigation water to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. During the winter, increased water releases are used to generate electricity for Kyrgyzstan, while summer releases support irrigation for southern Kazakhstan’s dry regions. As of November 19, 2024, the Toktogul reservoir contained 12.991 billion cubic meters of water, compared to 11.694 billion cubic meters on the same date in 2023. The reservoir currently receives 246 cubic meters of water per second and releases 488 cubic meters per second. Despite this year’s higher water levels, Kyrgyzstan continues to face electricity shortages, according to Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev. Toktogul HPP's modernization and efficient management of water resources remain critical to addressing these challenges and ensuring regional energy and water security.

Foreign Investment Economic Cooperation Saudi Arabia Energy Infrastructure COP29

Saudi Arabia to Build Electricity Storage Systems in Uzbekistan

Saudi company ACWA Power has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan to construct electricity storage systems with a total capacity of 2,000 MWh. The agreement was formalized during the COP-29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Under the agreement, ACWA Power will collaborate with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy to develop energy storage systems across the country. The implementation will be based on a comprehensive analysis of the national grid’s condition. The project will begin with feasibility studies to determine the most suitable regions for phased deployment. The initiative is estimated to cost $1.1 billion and is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during its lifetime. Uzbekistan has ambitious plans to expand its energy storage capacity to 4.2 GW by 2030. The first energy storage system in the country is slated for launch in early 2025 in the Fergana region. Deputy Energy Minister Umid Mamadaminov recently noted that Uzbekistan needs to build 10 GW of backup capacity by 2030 to support the integration of renewable energy sources. He emphasized that the country’s minimum reserve should equal 50% of its solar and wind power capacity.

EU Economic Cooperation Electricity supply Energy Infrastructure Export/Import Energy

Uzbekistan Aims to Export 10-15 Billion kWh of Electricity to Europe by 2030

Uzbekistan plans to export 10-15 billion kWh of electricity abroad by 2030, according to Deputy Minister of Energy Umid Mamadaminov, who discussed the initiative in an interview on November 6 during the “Days of European Economy in Uzbekistan” forum. “In 2030, electricity demand is projected to be around 120-125 billion kWh. Our generation capacity will reach approximately 135 billion kWh. Once the necessary infrastructure is ready, we’ll be able to export electricity to Europe,” Mamadaminov explained. At a meeting in Astana in August, Uzbekistan outlined plans to start exporting surplus electricity to Europe by 2030. Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov noted that if the joint project with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to lay a cable under the Caspian Sea is successful, Uzbekistan will be able to transmit excess energy to Europe. Mirzamahmudov said that renewable energy capacity would exceed 4 GW by the end of this year and is expected to reach over 20 GW by 2030, with 2-5 GW available for export. In the summer, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan agreed on a draft strategic partnership to develop and transmit green energy. The agreement includes terms for a preliminary feasibility study, which is being developed by the Italian company CESI. “We selected CESI to handle the project’s feasibility study,” Mamadaminov stated. “The study will take about a year and a half to complete, with an expected finish date by the end of 2025. Following this, construction will begin based on the study. The project requires around 2,500 km of HVDC (high-voltage direct current) cable, which will be costly—exceeding $2 billion.” Mamadaminov added that the electricity price will be market-driven but is expected to start at around 4-5 cents per kilowatt.

Energy Security Energy Infrastructure Green Energy Economic Cooperation Renewable Energy Generation

Central Asia to Develop a Unified Platform for Electricity Trade

Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister for Energy Umid Mamadaminov announced at the European Economic Days in Tashkent on November 6 that a unified platform for electricity trade is being developed in Central Asia. Mamadaminov said that Uzbekistan is developing this platform with the support of the World Bank and other partners. “Infrastructure is very important for integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, and many countries face this problem. We need at least 5,000 km of power lines, including 500 kV and 200 kV high-voltage lines and substations,” Mamadaminov said. At least 2,000 km of power lines should be built in the next two years. “We have already signed contracts to install more than 2,000 MW of energy storage systems with a total capacity of more than 400 MW, as each is a two-cycle network. We will have at least 4,000 MW of basic capacity in the next two years. This helps to respond to fluctuations in solar energy production quickly,” the deputy minister said. According to Mamadaminov, automation is the main problem in integrating renewable energy sources into the electric grid because the system cannot be controlled without it. In addition, this year, reforms to modernize and regulate energy consumption, including a new plan developed by the Cabinet of Ministers, were implemented in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s energy system, especially electricity generation, relies heavily on fossil fuels. However, the country aims to produce 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Uzbekistan plans to focus on solar energy while using wind, biomass, and hydro sources to achieve this goal. The government is working to attract investors to build 8 GW of solar and wind power and increase hydroelectric capacity to 1.935 GW by 2030. Biogas production from biomass and organic waste will also be developed.

NPP China Atomic Energy Nuclear Energy Energy Infrastructure

Uzbekistan and China Strengthen Partnership in Nuclear Energy Development

On November 4 during Uzbekistan’s participation in EXPO 2024 in Shanghai, Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency officials met with Wei Fuqi, General Director of the China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Ltd (CNOS). They discussed opportunities for collaboration in nuclear energy and other potential joint projects. The Uzbek officials and CNOS reached agreements on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, a detailed review of the possibilities of adopting China’s advanced experience in nuclear power plant construction, and studying the possibilities of using China’s small modular reactors. The parties also talked about cooperating to expand uranium ore mining capacity, processing, production and export of finished products with high added value, and subsequent fuel use in nuclear power plants. Uzbekistan is consistently reforming its nuclear program. China has confirmed that it is interested in strengthening bilateral relations in all areas of nuclear technology.

Energy Infrastructure Energy Security Economic Cooperation South Korea Atomic Energy NPP Nuclear Energy Potential Nuclear Partners

Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry Discusses Nuclear Plant Construction With South Korea

From October 22 to 25, a delegation from Kazakhstan led by Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliev visited South Korea. As part of the visit, meetings were held with representatives of leading Korean energy companies and government agencies. The key topics of the talks were cooperation issues in the nuclear power industry. In addition, at the meeting with the South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, they discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the oil and gas sector and renewable energy. Satkaliev also met with the management of major Korean companies, including Doosan Enerbility, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), and Samsung C&T. During the talks, the parties considered the prospects of Korean companies participating in an international consortium, which Kazakhstan is studying as a model for implementing the project to build a nuclear power plant. As the minister specified, the final decision on this issue is expected in 2025. Negotiations with Doosan Enerbility concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. This document provides for studying opportunities to localize the Korean company's operation in Kazakhstan and establish a representative office of the plant in Astana. Now, Doosan Enerbility cooperates with Kazakhstan to construct a gas turbine power plant with a capacity of 1000 MW in the Turkestan region. In addition, the company, together with KEPCO KPS, is conducting a technical audit of Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure to reduce emissions and extend the life of the equipment. After the October 6 referendum, in which Kazakhstanis supported the construction of the first nuclear power plant, President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev proposed the creation of an international consortium to implement the project. He emphasized that this project requires the participation of the world's leading companies with modern technology and experience to ensure the safety and efficiency of construction. Russia's Rosatom, South Korea's KHNP, France's EDF, and China's CNNC are considered potential participants. These companies are expected to work together to transfer technology and attract investment, which is particularly important for Kazakhstan as it seeks to reduce energy dependence and strengthen the country's energy security. Construction of the plant is planned to begin on the shores of Lake Balkhash and be completed by 2035. A final decision on the structure of the consortium is expected by 2025.