First “national” hydroelectric power plant launched on the Naryn River

On September 16, as part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to the Namangan region, the first stage of the cascade of hydroelectric power plants on the Naryn River was commissioned, the presidential press service reported.

On March 25 last year, the head of state launched the construction of new power plants in the Namangan region. During his current visit, the president inspected the energy facility.

According to the presidential press service, Uzbekhydroenergo Joint Stock Company has begun the construction of six hydroelectric power plant cascades on the Naryn River. The total cost of the project exceeds $428 million, with a planned capacity of 228 megawatts.

At the first stage, Hydroelectric Power Plant-1 was commissioned. Most importantly, it was built entirely using domestic products and equipment. In this sense, it is considered the first "national hydroelectric power plant" in the country.

Hydroelectric Power Plant-1 has the capacity to produce 171 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. The facility will also create 130 new jobs.

It is emphasized that as a result of the project, 430,000 households will be supplied with electricity, and 290 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved each year. This translates into additional benefits of nearly 300 billion soums for the economy.

For the first time in the history of Uzbek hydropower, horizontal capsule-shaped hydropower units have been introduced within the framework of this project. These units are distinguished by their high efficiency even in low-pressure conditions, marking a new stage in the national hydropower sector.

A water barrier structure has also been built at the station, along with administrative and service buildings and a dispatch center. To protect the environment and improve the area, 6,000 ornamental trees have already been planted, with plans to plant another 7,000 fruit trees next spring.

“Thus, this place will become not only an energy source, but also a site for ecotourism and recreation,” the report noted.

The Naryn HPP cascade is considered a strategic project that will help develop a green economy and improve the well-being of the population. The second and third stations are scheduled for commissioning in 2026, with the remaining ones to be launched in 2027. Each station is expected to have a capacity of 38 megawatts, while additional jobs will also be created during their operation.

It is worth noting that earlier reports indicated a tourist complex, hotel, restaurant, and recreational facilities will be developed around the Chortoq reservoir in the Namangan region.