On August 25, Uzbekistan commissioned three power plants and three energy storage systems with a total capacity of 2423 MW. The total cost of the projects amounted to approximately 20 trillion soums, or $1.7 billion. Some of the new facilities are among the largest energy projects in Central Asia.
The largest project is a 1573 MW combined cycle power plant in Syrdarya region, valued at $900 million. The plant will be able to generate up to 13 billion kWh of electricity per year with an efficiency of 61.7%. According to calculations by the Ministry of Energy, its operation will save about 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
In Navoiy region, a 300 MW solar power plant with a 150 MW storage facility was launched. The $390 million project will produce up to 657 million kWh of electricity per year, providing energy to approximately 273 thousand households. In Karakalpakstan, a 200 MW wind power plant and a 100 MW storage facility began operation. Its annual output is estimated at 701 million kWh.
Another 100 MW storage facility with a capacity of 200 MWh appeared in Namangan region. The $110 million system is designed to store electricity and stabilize energy supply during peak load periods. In total, the new projects are expected to increase available generation, reduce gas consumption, and enhance the stability of the country's energy system.