TASHKENT — The World Bank has approved a $10.6 million grant to implement a project aimed at detecting and eliminating leaks in Uzbekistan's gas transmission system. The funding will support the state company "Uztransgaz" in modernizing its aging infrastructure, Gazeta.uz reports.
Uzbekistan's gas transmission network suffers from chronic underinvestment in maintenance. Without timely repairs, cumulative gas losses could reach 1.75 billion cubic meters by 2030, equivalent to $228 million in lost revenue.
"Addressing leaks in gas infrastructure is a relatively straightforward process that brings multiple benefits," noted Zubin Bamji, head of the GFMR trust fund program.
Funding sources and project targets:
|
Parameter |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Grant amount |
$10.6 million |
|
Source |
World Bank Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Trust Fund |
|
Implementation period |
through 2029 |
|
Expected leak prevention |
~47,500 metric tons of gas annually |
|
Projected savings |
~$18 million per year |
The project includes three core elements:
- Technical equipment — procurement of modern diagnostic and repair equipment for gas pipelines;
- Capacity building — training Uztransgaz staff in advanced leak detection and repair methods;
- Standardization — adoption of international practices for reporting and measuring methane emissions.
Project implementation is expected to:
- Preserve significant volumes of natural gas for household and industrial consumers;
- Reduce financial losses and improve operational efficiency for the company;
- Cut methane emissions — a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change;
- Establish a sustainable, long-term model for leak prevention.
Uzbekistan is actively developing its gas sector as a foundation for energy security and export potential. However, aging infrastructure requires systematic investment. Partnership with the World Bank under the GFMR initiative provides access to international expertise and "green" financing to modernize the industry.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 16 2026