Mirziyoyev initiates the construction of a gas-chemical complex, a solar power plant, and an airport in Bukhara

On May 31, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended a ceremony to mark the commencement of construction for a gas-chemical complex, a solar power plant, and the Bukhara International Airport in the Bukhara region, according to the President's press service.

The gas-chemical complex will be established in the Qorakol-free economic zone. This facility will be Uzbekistan's first to utilize "methanol to olefins" (MTO) technology.

The project will attract approximately $5 billion in investments and will incorporate advanced technologies from the USA, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Italy, and China. The complex will process 1.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 430,000 tons of oil annually, producing 1.1 million tons of polymer products that are in high demand both domestically and internationally. These products are expected to generate five times more added value compared to the raw gas.

The new facility will employ 2,000 people directly and is expected to spur the creation of dozens of enterprises, generating an additional 4,000 jobs in sectors such as construction, textiles, leather goods, automotive, and electrical engineering.

"These projects will not only boost tourism but also make industry a key driver of Bukhara's economy. The steady economic growth is increasing the demand for electricity by an average of 6% per year, necessitating the development of new generation capacities," the report noted.

 

This year, 2.6 gigawatts from 14 solar and wind farms will be connected to the grid, increasing the share of alternative energy in the national power mix from 9% to 15%. The aim is to reach 40% by 2030.

"Bukhara plays a significant role in this initiative. Currently, 9 major projects with a combined capacity of 4 gigawatts are underway in the region, funded by about $4.5 billion in foreign investments. Among these is a 250-megawatt solar power plant by UAE's Masdar, set to occupy 648 hectares and connect to the national grid by December 2025," the report detailed.

 

Additionally, alternative energy projects are being developed in Bukhara by Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and China's Gezhouba. By 2030, the region's capacity is expected to increase ninefold, producing 12.5 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy annually.

Another major project is the construction of a new international airport in Bukhara district through a public-private partnership. This $226 million project will establish a world-class airport infrastructure capable of serving 1,200 passengers per hour, enhancing passenger and aircraft services to attract new international airlines.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev symbolically initiated the construction of these projects by pressing a button.

The presentation included the planned infrastructure developments in the Bukhara region, highlighting the new airport project.