Energy Transformation and Development of Renewable Energy Sources in Uzbekistan

The Republic of Uzbekistan has entered a period of large-scale energy transformation aimed at ensuring sustainable and environmentally safe growth. Increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and developing renewable energy sources (RES) have become the key priorities of the national energy policy.

By 2024, the country’s total installed power generation capacity reached 21.4 GW, of which 79% came from thermal power, 10% from hydropower, 9% from solar, and 1% from wind energy. The government plans to increase the total RES capacity to over 20 GW by 2030, reflecting a strategic course toward diversification and the “greening” of the energy sector.

1. State Policy and Strategic Goals of Energy Transformation

The Government of Uzbekistan has approved a series of strategic documents aimed at transitioning toward sustainable energy development, including:

• Strategy for Transition to a Green Economy (2019–2030);
• National Green Taxonomy (2023), defining the classification of environmentally sustainable activities;
• State Program for 2025, declared the “Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy.”

The main goal of these programs is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 and increase the share of RES in the national energy balance to 30%.

2. Solar Energy

Solar energy is the primary driver of Uzbekistan’s energy modernization. By 2024, 3.3 GW of solar power capacity had been commissioned, with plans to reach 10–12 GW by 2030.

Key projects include:

• Masdar (UAE): Solar power plants in Karmana (100 MW), Gallaorol (220 MW), Kattakurgan (220 MW), and Sherabad (457 MW);
• ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia): A portfolio of projects worth USD 15 billion, including both solar and wind energy facilities.

The geographical distribution of solar power plants — across the Navoi, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Samarkand regions — ensures balanced regional energy supply.

3. Wind Energy

Wind energy is developing rapidly: as of early 2025, 1.5 GW of wind power capacity was installed, with an additional 12.5 GW under development. Major wind farms are being built in Karakalpakstan, Navoi, and Khorezm regions, each with unit capacities ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 MW. These projects enhance energy security and create new employment opportunities — about 5,000 temporary and 200 permanent jobs.

4. Hydropower and Energy Storage

Uzbekistan operates 56 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 2.6 GW, and is constructing four pumped-storage power stations (adding another 1.4 GW). Hydropower projects in Tashkent, Namangan, and Surkhandarya regions are aimed at increasing grid stability and ensuring seasonal generation balance.

5. International Cooperation and Investment

Uzbekistan’s energy transformation has been made possible through active engagement with foreign investors and partners:

• TotalEnergies (France) supports the target of generating 25% of energy from RES by 2030;
• Mubadala and TAQA (UAE) are investing USD 1 billion in the modernization and management of the Talimarjan power plant;
• The EBRD and the World Bank finance green bond development and ESG projects.

6. Network Infrastructure Development and Digitalization

The transition to sustainable energy is accompanied by modernization of the power infrastructure, including:

• Construction of new 220 kV substations and transmission lines in the Tashkent region;
• Transition to a wholesale electricity market, with private companies handling energy sales;
• Digitalization of management and accounting systems to improve supply reliability and reduce grid losses.

Uzbekistan’s energy transformation represents one of the most ambitious modernization programs in Central Asia. The combination of reforms, innovation, and international partnership allows the country to build a next-generation energy system — sustainable, diversified, and environmentally clean. The expansion of solar, wind, and hydropower not only reduces the carbon footprint but also stimulates new economic sectors, employment growth, and Uzbekistan’s attractiveness as a global investment destination.

Key Renewable Energy Projects (Solar, Wind, and Hydropower) in Uzbekistan

№	Project Type	Company / Investor	Region	Capacity (MW)	Estimated Investment (USD million)	Status (as of 2025)	Comment / Significance
1	Wind	ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia)	Karakalpakstan, Samarkand, Bukhara	5,000	15,000	Implementation / 2025–2028	Largest wind project portfolio in Central Asia
2	Solar	Masdar (UAE)	Navoi, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya	1,497	1,100	Completed / Operational	Complex of projects: Karmana (100), Gallaorol (220), Kattakurgan (220), Sherabad (457)
3	Wind	Masdar (UAE)	Navoi – Zarafshan	500	600	Commissioned	First world-class wind farm in Uzbekistan
4	Solar	TotalEnergies (France)	Karakalpakstan	500	700	Design / 2025–2026	Contributes to the 25% RES target
5	Wind	TotalEnergies + UzNIF	Bukhara	600	750	Implementation / 2026–2028	Hybrid plant (wind + solar), pilot project
6	Solar	Voltalia (France)	Syrdarya	300	400	Construction / 2025–2027	Hybrid energy cluster (solar + storage)
7	Hydropower	Uzbekhydroenergy (State Company)	Tashkent, Namangan, Surkhandarya	2,600 (operational) + 1,400 (under construction)	850	Implementation / 2024–2030	56 HPPs + new pumped-storage stations
8	Solar	Uzbekistan Solar Projects (State Program)	Tomdi, Forish, Pop, Beka, Yukorichirchik	1,600	1,200	Implementation / Regional tenders	Series of 100–300 MW projects per region
9	Wind	Masdar + ACWA Power (Consortium)	Karakalpakstan (Aral Region)	1,500	1,500	Implementation / 2026–2028	“Green Reconstruction” project for the Aral Sea area
10	Solar	TAQA (UAE)	Tashkent, Fergana	500	600	Implementation / 2025–2028	Development of decentralized power generation

 

Summary Indicators by Type of Renewable Energy

Type of RES	Total Capacity (MW)	Share in RES Portfolio	Key Investors
Solar Projects	≈ 4,900	38%	Masdar, TotalEnergies, Voltalia, TAQA
Wind Projects	≈ 7,600	58%	ACWA Power, Masdar, TotalEnergies
Hydropower	≈ 4,000	4%	Uzbekhydroenergy, ADB
Total (2025–2030)	≈ 16,500 MW	100%	—

Analytical Conclusions

• Total investment in RES exceeds USD 21 billion, of which 80% are foreign investments.
• Main drivers: Private sector and strategic partners — Masdar, ACWA Power, TotalEnergies, and Voltalia.
• Leading regions: Navoi, Samarkand, and Karakalpakstan, accounting for 70% of new capacity.
• Institutional impact: Uzbekistan is becoming a regional hub for green investment and technology, attracting sustainable financing and implementing ESG principles in the energy sector.