Iran intends to collaborate with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in the field of electricity exchange, announced the Minister of Energy of Iran, Ali-Akbar Mehrabian, during negotiations with the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Eurasia Today reports.
"...the necessary groundwork has been prepared to expand electricity exchange with neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan," stated Mehrabian.
The minister mentioned that Iranian companies are also ready to cooperate in implementing electro-technical projects, exporting electrical components and equipment, manufacturing energy-related equipment, and constructing a special production line for electrical equipment.
In November 2023, the Ministries of Energy of Iran and Uzbekistan agreed on the construction of a power plant in Uzbekistan, with its connection to Iranian power grids happening through Turkmenistan.
The Central Asian Power Ring was established during the Soviet era, initially including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. In the 1990s, Turkmenistan left the ring to collaborate with Iran and Georgia. Later, Tajikistan also withdrew, opting to build its independent energy system.
The power ring consists of a 500 kV power transmission line and can simultaneously carry energy with a capacity of 740-750 MW. In case of exceeding the limit, the automation system is triggered, disconnecting either the station with increased power or the entire transmission.
On January 25, 2022, an accident occurred on the power ring lines that connect Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. As a result, some cities and villages in the three republics were left without electricity.
In recent years, the region has experienced frequent power outages due to a deficit. In this regard, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have increased their purchases of electricity from neighboring Turkmenistan, which has become an exporter.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 7, 2024