TASHKENT - Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ordered the acceleration of hydropower development to reduce the country's dependence on gas and coal and strengthen energy security, Gazeta.uz reports.
According to authorities, hydropower currently accounts for only 10-12% of electricity generation, despite the country's significant water potential. Uzbekistan has over 150,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and waterways.
From 2017 to 2025, the number of hydroelectric power plants increased from 36 to 100, and installed capacity increased from 1.6 to 2.4 GW.
Seventy-three new projects, worth a total of $5.8 billion, are planned for the period 2026-2032. They are expected to add another 3.6 GW of capacity.
As early as 2026, 13 new hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 114 MW are planned for launch. These facilities will be able to generate 537 million kWh of electricity annually.
Among the largest projects is the Verkhne-Pskemskaya Hydroelectric Power Plant, costing $365 million. The 160 MW plant will be able to supply electricity to over 160,000 households.
Authorities are also considering the construction of three pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 1.4 GW and thousands of small and micro hydroelectric power plants.
Tashkent believes that expanding hydropower will be an important part of the transition to a more sustainable and diversified energy system.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 2, 2026