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Uzbekistan will simplify the construction of micro hydroelectric power stations and revise the conditions for private investors
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev August 19got acquaintedwith proposals for the further development of a network of small and micro hydroelectric power stations.
In accordance with a decree adopted last year, the country plans tobuildwith the participation of the private sector, about 3,000 small and micro hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 164 MW. However, so far 64 facilities with a capacity of 41.6 MW have been put into operation - about a quarter of the planned volume.
Of the nearly 3,000 envisaged projects, initiators have been identified for only 932. The rate of development of preferential resources worth $150 million, allocated with the participation of the World Bank, also remains low.
At the presentation, it was noted that entrepreneurs and investors still have questions regarding the conditions for the construction of stations and the sale of generated electricity.
In this regard, it was proposed to establish at auctions not only the starting cost of the project, but also the minimum tariff for the purchase of electricity. It is planned to differentiate it depending on the power of the station.
It is expected that this approach will solve the problem of projects that were won at auctions at a “zero” price, but were subsequently never implemented, as well as make the conditions for investors more clear and stable.
A simplified procedure will be introduced for micro hydroelectric power plants up to 100 kW
The design and construction of micro-hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of up to 100 kW are planned to be transferred to a simplified procedure.
It is proposed to exempt objects with a power of up to 50 kW from the examination of urban planning documentation and state architectural and construction supervision.
In addition, there will beit is allowed to change the design of canals, rivers and channels to create additional water pressure.
At water management facilities, it will also be allowed to build small and micro hydroelectric power stations for one’s own needs without holding an auction.
To support the projects, it is planned to launch a digital platform that will cover the entire process - from identifying suitable sites to putting stations into operation and their further operation.
It is also expected to develop a unified methodological manual for the design, construction and operation of small hydroelectric power plants and a separate procedure for implementing projects with the participation of the private sector.
90% of equipment is still imported
One of the problems of the industry remains high dependence on imports. Now about 90% of hydraulic units and components for small and micro hydroelectric power plants are supplied from abroad.
The experience of Uzbekhydroenergo, which built 46 small and micro hydroelectric power plants, was noted at the presentation. It is proposed to use the company’s capabilities to provide entrepreneurs with comprehensive services - from design and construction and installation work to the supply of equipment.
A list of hydraulic units and components, the production of which can be localized in Uzbekistan, will also be compiled. The corresponding proposals are planned to be presented to entrepreneurs and investors.
The potential of channels will be re-evaluated
The total length of the network of rivers and canals in Uzbekistan exceeds 173 thousand kilometers.
The authorities believe that there is additional potential for small hydropower, particularly on concrete-lined canals. Responsible departments have been instructed to conduct a complete inventory of such facilities and identify new sites for projects.
By 2030, they want to increase the capacity of small hydroelectric power plants to 204.8 MW
By 2030, the installed capacity of small and micro hydroelectric power stations is planned to be increased to 204.8 MW, and annual production to 620 million kWh of electricity.
According to the authorities’ calculations, this will be enough to provide “green” electricity to about 350 thousand households.
It is expected that the development of small hydropower will annually save 187 million cubic meters of natural gas and prevent emissions of about 311 thousand tons of carbon dioxide.
In addition, starting from the new academic year, it is planned to introduce a dual education system to train specialists in the field of small-scale “green” energy. Students will undergo practical training at energy enterprises, including small hydropower facilities.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed to speed up the implementation of projects, expand the participation of private investors, use financial resources more efficiently, localize the production of equipment and strengthen the training of specialists.
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