Uzbekistan has offered Indian companies to participate in five major energy projects with a total value of $3.4 billion. This is no longer just about working as contractors – Tashkent expects to attract Indian businesses directly to finance new facilities.
The package includes the construction of pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants in Karakalpakstan and Tashkent Region, a thermal power plant in Surkhandarya Region, as well as two high-voltage lines. One of them is to pass through the Kamchik Pass and connect Tashkent and Namangan Regions, while the other will connect Navoiy and Tashkent Regions.
Indian companies are already involved in Uzbekistan's energy projects, with their total portfolio exceeding $2 billion. Now, the authorities want to leverage their technological expertise and management skills in large infrastructure projects.
At the same time, Tashkent intends to maximize production localization. The majority of jobs should be filled by citizens of Uzbekistan, at least 50% of design work is planned to be transferred to local companies, and the share of Uzbek products is intended to reach 70%.
According to Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjaev, Indian partners can help Uzbekistan close the experience gap in managing energy megaprojects.