Against the backdrop of a global push for sustainable energy solutions, Uzbekistan has demonstrated immense potential in the renewable energy sector, particularly in hydropower, thanks to its abundant water resources.
Uzbekistan’s water resources are extensive, encompassing glaciers, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, transboundary rivers, and groundwater. According to precise calculations by local experts, the theoretical hydropower potential of the country’s rivers reaches 88.5 billion kWh annually, while the technically feasible potential is 27.4 billion kWh per year, with an installable capacity exceeding 8 million kW. Among these, the Pskem River in Tashkent Province stands out as a “hydropower treasure,” with a technically feasible installed capacity of 1.324 million kW, accounting for 45.3% of Uzbekistan’s available hydropower resources. Additionally, rivers such as the To‘polondaryo, Chatqol, and Sangardak also hold significant hydropower development potential.
Uzbekistan’s hydropower development has a long history. As early as May 1, 1926, the country’s first hydropower station, Bo‘zsuv GES – 1, began operations with an installed capacity of 4,000 kW. The largest hydropower plant in the country, the Chorvoq Hydropower Plant, gradually came online between 1970 and 1972. Its installed capacity was upgraded from 620,500 kW to 666,000 kW following modernization. By the end of 2023, Uzbekistan’s total hydropower installed capacity reached 2.415 million kW, accounting for approximately 30% of its technically feasible capacity. In 2022, Uzbekistan’s total electricity generation was 74.3 billion kWh, with renewable energy contributing 6.94 billion kWh. Of this, hydropower generated 6.5 billion kWh, accounting for 8.75% of the total electricity generation and dominating renewable energy production with a 93.66% share. However, given the country’s technically feasible hydropower potential of 27.4 billion kWh per year, only about 23% has been utilized, indicating vast growth opportunities in the sector.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has actively pursued hydropower development, launching numerous projects. In February 2023, Uzbekhydroenergo signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zhejiang Jinlun Electromechanical Industry for joint small hydropower equipment production. In June of the same year, an agreement was reached with China Southern Power Grid International to develop three hydropower plants. Additionally, in July 2023, Uzbek Hydrogenergo announced a tender for the construction of five new hydropower plants with a total capacity of 46.6 MW, expected to generate 179 million kWh annually at a cost of $106.9 million. In June 2023, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan jointly launched a project to construct two hydropower plants on the Zeravshan River. The first phase involves the 140 MW Yavan Hydropower Plant, requiring an investment of $282 million and projected to generate 700–800 million kWh annually. A subsequent 135 MW plant on the Fandarya River is planned, with an estimated investment of $270 million and an annual generation capacity of 500–600 million kWh. In June 2024, Uzbekistan unveiled its hydropower development plan, targeting an installed capacity of 6 GW by 2030. This ambitious initiative includes both new plant construction and modernization efforts, aligning with the country’s broader renewable energy strategy to increase green energy’s share to 40% of the total power structure by 2030.
To further advance the hydropower sector, the Uzbek government has implemented supportive policies and regulatory frameworks. Hydropower development plans are legally formalized and continuously refined in response to technological advancements and global trends. For instance, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the “2016–2020 Hydropower Development Plan” in November 2015, outlining the construction of nine new hydropower stations. As the “Uzbekistan-2030″ strategy progresses, the government is expected to introduce additional policies and legislation to attract foreign investment in hydropower and other renewable energy sectors. Most of Uzbekistan’s hydropower stations were built during the Soviet era using Soviet standards. However, the country is increasingly adopting international standards to modernize the sector. Recent presidential decrees explicitly call for the introduction of global construction standards, creating new collaboration opportunities for international enterprises, including Chinese firms, to contribute their expertise and establish their technologies in Uzbekistan.
From a cooperation perspective, China and Uzbekistan hold significant potential for collaboration in the hydropower sector. With the Belt and Road Initiative advancing, both countries have reached broad consensus on energy cooperation. The successful launch of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project further strengthens their foundation for hydropower collaboration. Chinese enterprises possess extensive experience in hydropower construction, equipment manufacturing, and technological innovation, along with advanced technologies and robust financial capabilities. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan offers abundant hydropower resources, a favorable policy environment, and a large market demand, creating ideal conditions for partnership. The two nations can engage in deep cooperation across various areas, including hydropower plant construction, equipment supply, technology transfer, and workforce training, fostering mutual benefits and shared growth.
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan’s hydropower industry is poised for a promising future. With the implementation of key projects, installed capacity will continue to rise, meeting domestic energy needs while also creating opportunities for electricity exports and generating substantial economic benefits. Furthermore, the development of the hydropower sector will stimulate growth across related industries, generate employment opportunities, and drive regional economic prosperity. As a clean and renewable energy source, large-scale hydropower development will help Uzbekistan reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and contribute positively to global climate change mitigation efforts.
Post time: Mar-12-2025
