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It is planned to implement 73 projects worth 5.8 billion dollars in the field of hydropower in Uzbekistan

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with a presentation on measures for the further development of the hydropower network on April 29met.

"The issue of hydropower is extremely important today. Currently, calculations, incomes, economic development and its stability from the point of view of energy security all over the world are highly dependent on energy," said the head of state.

According to him, the country has more than 150,000 kilometers of rivers, canals and streams, but most of their energy potential remains unused.

"It is important not only for drinking water supply and irrigation, but also has a direct impact on energy, economy and ecology. The main problem today is that most of the electricity generation depends on gas and coal. That is why I have made relevant decisions in this regard several times. What measures are being taken and what are the plans - today I would like to hear proposals for the development of hydropower," said Mirziyoev.

The share of hydropower in the total production is only 10-12 percent. This makes the development of the sector a key factor in ensuring the stability of the energy system and reducing dependence on gas and coal.

In 2017-2025, the number of hydroelectric power stations increased from 36 to 100, and their total capacity increased from 1.6 GW to 2.4 GW.In 2026-2032, it is planned to implement 73 projects with a total cost of 5.8 billion dollars and create 3.6 GW of additional capacity.

According to the press service of the head of state, the UzHydroPower plant, the only one in Central Asia that produces hydro aggregates and technological equipment, was built. The first phase of the Norin HPP cascade, which was put into operation last year, was implemented for the first time on the basis of the "national project" model - all the work was completely carried out by local enterprises.

In 2026, it is planned to launch 13 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 114 MW and produce 537 million kWh of electricity per year and create 254 jobs.

Among the major projects is the Upper Piskom HPP worth $365 million. The facility with a capacity of 160 MW and an annual output of 484 million kWh is expected to supply more than 160,000 households with electricity. The share of local components in the project is 82 percent.

In addition, a wind power plant with a capacity of 20 MW is being built in the Bostonliq district at the expense of $28 million in grants.

It is planned to build the Sokh HPP in the Sokh district of Fergana region on the basis of the "national project" principle. The station with a capacity of 15 MW produces 50 million kWh of electricity per year and covers 71% of the district`s electricity needs.

The President also reviewed the hydropower potential of the Upper Topalang watercourses. It is possible to create 541 megawatts of power at the expense of the construction of 42 small hydroelectric power stations in the rivers and streams flowing into the "Topalang" reservoir and to produce about 1.9 billion kWh of electricity per year.

Also, the construction of three hydroaccumulative power stations (energy storage and redistribution systems) with a total capacity of 1.4 GW, as well as 2,983 small and micro hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of 164 MWis being considered.

In December 2024, Minister of Energy Jorabek Mirzamahmudov said that not using hydropower potential is treasonhe said. The president said that "no one believed" when he organized the construction of a small hydroelectric power plant on the Ugom river.