Energy in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan had a total primary energy supply (TPES) of 48.28 Mtoe in 2012.[1] Electricity consumption was 47.80 TWh. The majority of primary energy came from fossil fuels, with natural gas, coal and oil the main sources. Hydroelectricity, the only significant renewable source in the country, accounted for about 2% of the primary energy supply. Natural gas is the source for 73.8% of electricity production, followed by hydroelectricity with 21.4%.[1]

Uzbekistan will be the first country in Central Asia to develop and produce solar energy by Uzbekenergo a state owned energy company. The Samarkand region was picked along with six other regions being inspected. The solar power plant is to have a capacity of 100 megawatts.[2][3]

Energy sources

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In 2022, natural gas remained the primary energy source in Uzbekistan, contributing 85% to the total energy supply and electricity generation, with a consumption of 1.552 BTU qn. The government plans to cease natural gas exports by 2025 to focus on domestic energy and petrochemical production needs, aiming for greater industrial development and energy self-sufficiency. [4][5]

Natural gas production from 2011 to 2021 (bcm)[6]: 29 
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
56.6 56.5 55.9 56.3 53.6 53.1 53.6 58.3 57.5 47.1 50.9

Uzbekistan is also diversifying its energy mix by investing in renewable sources like solar and wind energy, driven by favorable investment conditions and technological advancements. This shift aims to reduce reliance on natural gas and promote environmental sustainability. The consumption from renewables and other sources was 0.030 BTU qn in 2022, reflecting this growing focus. [5]

Oil from 2011 to 2021 (kbd)[6]: 16, 19, 25, 26 
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Oil Production 80 72 69 63 60 57 61 64 61 67 60
Total liquids consumption 104 88 83 82 83 86 87 95 95 83 90
Refinery throughput 164 156 146 136 127 118 125 117 122 118 113
Refining capacity 232 232 232 232 232 232 232 232 232 232 232

Moreover, the country is enhancing its oil sector by upgrading refining capacities and petrochemical production, with petroleum and other liquids consumption at 0.170 BTU qn in 2022.[5] One of the most important types of transformation for the energy system is the refining of crude oil into oil products, such as the fuels that power automobiles, ships, and planes. In 2021, the share of domestic refining in the total final consumption of oil products was 97% with a total of 158,203 Terajoules (TJ) of oil products refined, indicating an upward trend of 48%.[7]

Electricity Sector

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Electricity generation in 2021[8]

  Natural Gas (86.89%)
  Hydro (6.87%)
  Coal (2.91%)
  Oil (1.94%)

Electricity production is a critical aspect of Uzbekistan's energy landscape. The country primarily relies on thermal power plants that convert heat from burning fuels or nuclear reactions into electricity, although this process can be inefficient, with up to fifty percent of the energy content lost. In contrast, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower generate electricity more directly and efficiently by harnessing natural forces. As of 2021, natural gas stands out as the predominant source of electricity generation in Uzbekistan, contributing to 88% of the overall electricity output. This significant dependency on natural gas underscores its vital role in the nation's energy strategy.[9]

Recognizing the need for diversification and sustainability, Uzbekistan set ambitious renewable energy targets in January 2024. The plan includes achieving a renewable energy capacity of 27 GW and increasing the renewable share in electricity production to 40% by 2030. This initiative, endorsed by the Uzbek Senate, aims to reduce natural gas consumption by 25 billion cubic meters and decrease carbon emissions by 34 million tonnes.[10]

Renewable energy

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The proportion of renewable energy in Uzbekistan's total energy supply (TES) has remained stable yet low since the 1990s. In the realm of electricity generation, the share of renewable energy (RE) varies due to the country's fluctuating hydrological conditions, which directly affect hydropower production.

Total renewable energy capacity, 2014-2023 (MW)[11]: 3 
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1,872 1,882 1,883 1,861 1,919 1,912 2,025 2,156 2,478 2,668
Hydropower capacity, 2014-2023 (MW)[11]: 6 
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1,871 1,880 1,880 1,858 1,915 1,908 2,021 2,152 2,225 u 2,415 u

Between 2000 and 2019, this share oscillated between 8% and 19% of total electricity generation, with an average of around 12%. The dominance of hydropower within the renewable energy sector leads to similar patterns in both the total energy supply and the total final consumption (TFC) of renewable energy.[12]: 96 

List of power stations

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Power plant Province Capacity (MW) Type Year completed Notes
Syrdarya Power Plant Tashkent 3,050 Natural Gas 1972
Yangi Angren Tashkent 2,100 Hybrid 1985
Tashkent Tashkent 2,230 Natural Gas 1963
Navoi Navoi 1,618 Natural Gas 1963
Talimardjan Kashkadarya 1,700 Natural Gas 2004
Takhiatash 730 Natural Gas 1962
Fergana Fergana 305 Natural Gas
Turaqurgon Namangan 900 Natural Gas
Angren Tashkent 634 Coal 1957
Tuyamuyun Xorezm 150 Hydro 1983
Charvak Tashkent 666 Hydro 1970
Topolon Surkhandarya 175 Hydro
Andijan Andijan 190 Hydro 1983
Farkhod Syrdarya 126 Hydro 1948
Qamchiq Namangan 26.5 Hydro
Hojakent Tashkent 165 Hydro 1975
Gazalkent Tashkent 120 Hydro 1980
Hishrav Samarkand Hydro
Tuyabogiz Tashkent 11.4 Hydro 2019
Lower Bozsu HPP-14 Tashkent 15 Hydro 1944/2022
Lower Bozsu HPP-18 Tashkent 7 Hydro 1950
Lower Bozsu HPP-19 Tashkent 11.2 Hydro 1950
Zarchob-2 Surkhandarya 38.2 Hydro 2021 [13]
Zarchob-1 Surkhandarya 37.4 Hydro 2021 [14]
Lower Bozsu HPP-23 Tashkent 17.6 Hydro 1954
Lower Bozsu HPP-22 Tashkent 4.4 Hydro 1954
Nur Navoi Solar park Navoi 100 Solar 2021 [15]
Nurabad Solar park Samarkand 100 Solar 2022 [16]

Government policy

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In Uzbekistan, the governance of the energy sector is overseen by key governmental bodies, primarily the Ministry of Energy which was established in February 2019. This ministry is responsible for the implementation of state policies, regulations, and decrees across various energy subsectors including electricity, natural gas, and oil. Notably, significant reforms have been initiated since 2019 to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the energy sector. These include legislative revisions and the development of strategic documents like the Green Economy Transition Strategy for 2019-2030 and the Electricity Supply Security Concept for 2020-2030, aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency in line with Uzbekistan's commitments under the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction plays a crucial role in analyzing economic indicators and formulating strategies for the industrial development of the energy sector, indicating a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable energy goals.[12]: 25–28 

Building on a strong foundation laid since its independence, Uzbekistan has actively pursued energy independence, achieving significant milestones by the mid-1990s through strategic governmental support and investment in the energy sector. Noteworthy developments include the operational commencement of major facilities such as the Kokdumalak petroleum condensate field and the Bukhara Oil Refinery. By 2003, extensive rural gasification efforts led to 86.3% of the rural population gaining access to natural gas, with initiatives set to expand fuel access even further by 2006. These efforts underscore Uzbekistan's commitment to securing a sustainable and economically viable energy landscape, focusing on natural gas as a cornerstone for future development.[17]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Uzbekistan". www.iea.org. International Energy Agency (IEA). Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  2. ^ "Uzbekistan to Build First Solar Power Plant". www.industryweek.com. Retrieved 2017-01-20.
  3. ^ "Chinese company to build solar power plant in Uzbekistan". Trend.Az (in Russian). 2017-01-14. Retrieved 2017-01-20.
  4. ^ "Executive summary – Uzbekistan 2022 – Analysis". IEA. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  5. ^ a b c "Uzbekistan | Energy Production and Consumption: Annual | CEIC". www.ceicdata.com. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  6. ^ a b "bp Statistical Review of World Energy" (PDF). www.bp.com (71 ed.). 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Uzbekistan - Countries & Regions". IEA. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  8. ^ "Uzbekistan - Countries & Regions". IEA. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  9. ^ "Uzbekistan - Countries & Regions". IEA. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  10. ^ "Uzbekistan targets 27 GW of renewable capacity, 40% in power generation by 2030 | Enerdata". www.enerdata.net. 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  11. ^ a b IRENA, International Renewable Energy Agency (2024). "RENEWABLE CAPACITY STATISTICS 2024" (PDF). www.irena.org. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  12. ^ a b IEA, International Energy Agency (June 2022). "Uzbekistan 2022 - Energy Policy Review" (PDF). www.iea.org. pp. 25–28.
  13. ^ "Surxondaryoda "Zarchob-2" kichik GES ishga tushirildi — fotoreportaj". 20 November 2021.
  14. ^ "Surxondaryoda "Zarchob-1 kichik GES" loyihasi ishga tushirildi (foto)". 3 April 2021.
  15. ^ "100 MW Nur Navoi Solar Project".
  16. ^ "ЭНЕРГЕТИКА ВАЗИРЛИГИ: САМАРҚАНД ВИЛОЯТИДА ЙИРИК ҚУЁШ ФОТОЭЛЕКТР СТАНЦИЯСИ ИШГА ТУШИРИЛДИ".
  17. ^ undp, United Nations Development Programme. "Uzbekistan's energy sector" (PDF). www.undp.org.