Uzbekistan is planning to implement 44 energy projects in 2011-2015 in the total amount of US$ 5,2 bln.

International conference “Energy-2011: innovations, solutions and prospects” was held in Tashkent under the 6^th International Exhibition “Energy – Power Uzbekistan 2011”.

Specialists from a number of countries discussed the possibilities for cooperation in the energy sector and introduction of state-of-the-art energy-saving technologies.

Uzbekistan has considerable reserves of energy, and the energy sector constitutes one of the parts of the country’s economy, noted Shavkat Alimkhodjaev, Chief Specialist of the Foreign Economic Relations Department of State Joint Stock Company “Uzbekenergo”.

Pursuant to Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “About priorities for industrial development of Uzbekistan for 2011-2015”, adopted in December 2010, 44 investment projects worth US$ 5,2 bln. dollars will be implemented in the energy sector of the republic.

With this aim, 15 projects will be implemented to upgrade and construct thermal electric power stations, 9 projects in the hydropower industry, 15 projects to develop electrical, and distribution networks. A number of projects will be undertaken to improve energy accounting system.

As concerns thermal power industry, one project is underway to expand Navoi Thermal Power Station, where 468 MW plant is being constructed. One more project aims to upgrade the Tashkent City Combined Heat and Power Station to supply heat and power to the capital. It is planned to install 27 MW gas-turbine units here. The first part of the project has already commenced with the assistance of the Japanese side.

Another large-scale project is in process of expanding Talimarjan Thermal Electric Power Station and constructing two 450 MW combined-cycle plants. As noted by Shavkat Alimkhodjaev, the project is implemented with financial support of the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Reconstruction and Development Fund of Uzbekistan and own funds of State Joint Stock Company “Uzbekenergo”.

The energy sector of Uzbekistan is focused on oil diversification. In this context, Uzbekistan is on the way to change over to a year-round mode of coal combustion at the 1^st to 5^th power-generating units of Namangan Thermal Power Station, with coal mined at the Angren open-pit. Another project within the system of SJSC “Uzbekenergo” is gathering pace to construct at Angren Power Station a 130 MW generating unit designed to burn low-grade fuel.

Over the period of 2011-2015, it is planned to upgrade major part (up to 90%) of operating hydroelectric power plants including the largest Charvak Hydroelectric Power Plant, a series of Tashkent city hydroelectric power plants and other. The plants have been in operation for 50-70 years and have outlived their useful lifespan, and are technically and morally outdated. Upgrade will improve operation of the plants, increase their capacity and extend service life. Overall cost of upgrade is estimated at US$ 190 mln.

Construction of new hydropower facilities, specifically small hydroelectric power plants has commenced, including Kamolot Hydroelectric Power Plant at Chirchiq-Bozsu section with the capacity of eight megawatts. The capacity will be sufficient for generation of 35 mln. kilowatt-per-hour of electricity and save 11 million cubic meters of natural gas a year.

SJSC “Uzbekenergo” pays a close attention to the use of alternative and introduction of renewable sources of energy. Construction of a 750-KW pilot power plant valued at ca. US$ 1,9 mln has already begun. The project is implemented using the company’s own funds. The project, which represents the first step to establish a complex of wind generators, is scheduled for 2012.

Much work is in progress to upgrade electric networks. Construction of a new 500-KV line between Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant and 218-km long Sogdiana Substation and large 500 KW substation has been planned. The project, which will involve the funds of the World Bank, has been scheduled for 2013.

Construction has begun with the support of the Export and Import Bank of China, of a 500KV line at the Syrdarya and Angren power plants with the total length of 130 km. It will ensure reliable electric power supply to the central and southern regions of the republic. A number of projects are underway to upgrade 220KW lines to ensure reliable power supply. Specifically, several lines and substations are being constructed to supply electric power to Fergana valley.

Year over year, Uzbekistan increases export of electric power, especially to countries southward of the republic. Over the last three years, export of electric power has increased from 800 mln. kilowatt-hours in 2008 to 1,2 bln. kilowatt-hours last year.

Pursuant to Presidential Decree “About priorities for industrial development of Uzbekistan for 2011-2015”, 2150 MW generating capacity, 1000 km power transmission lines and 2200 MW transformer capacity will be established.

Consequently, the country will save 1 bln. cubic metes of gas, reduce energy losses during transportation by 437 mln. kilowatt-per-hour and increase a share of coal in the fuel and energy budget of the republic from 3,9% to 12% in 2015.

Improved energy accounting system will make it possible to reduce energy losses to 1,8 bln. kilowatt-hours.