Minister: Uzbekistan plans to double thermal power generation capacity

Uzbekistan intends, in the long term, to include nuclear energy in its national energy mix alongside hydropower and energy storage systems, Uzbekistan's Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov said at the 31st Baku Energy Forum.

According to Report, he said that in the future, nuclear energy, pumped-storage hydropower plants, and large hydropower projects will play an important role in ensuring the country's energy security.

"In the long term, we definitely consider nuclear energy as part of the energy balance. Pumped-storage capacity and large hydropower projects implemented jointly with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan on the territory of Kyrgyzstan will also play an important role," the minister noted.

He added that Uzbekistan continues to develop renewable energy, including small and mini hydropower plants, while also implementing programs to modernize and build new thermal power plants.

According to the minister, the country plans to double its thermal generation capacity while improving efficiency and maintaining control over emissions.

He also noted that an important part of Uzbekistan's energy strategy is the development of regional electricity trade and the expansion of energy interconnectivity with Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.