Uzbekistan to build 602 kilometers of power transmission lines

A total of 602 kilometers of power transmission lines will be constructed in Uzbekistan in the coming years. The announcement was made on February 23 during a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the implementation of major energy projects, ensuring the stability of the energy system, and improving energy efficiency.

During the meeting, held in a critical review format, it was noted that the country’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 25,800 megawatts. Of this, 8,000 megawatts — or 31 percent — come from solar, wind, and hydropower sources. Electricity production is projected to reach 90 billion kilowatt-hours in 2026, representing a 40 percent increase compared to 2020.

Due to economic growth and rising industrial output, electricity consumption is expected to increase by an additional 1 billion kilowatt-hours this year. In this regard, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply to meet the needs of the population and the economy, modernizing networks, increasing investment, and launching major projects on time were identified as top priorities.

Currently, the fuel and energy sector’s investment portfolio includes 133 projects worth a total of $51.4 billion. Of these, 73 large-scale projects valued at $43 billion require a systematic approach, with 6,770 megawatts of new capacity to be commissioned by the end of the year. This includes 2,800 megawatts of solar power, 2,500 megawatts of thermal power, 470 megawatts of wind power, 68 megawatts of hydropower, and 884 megawatts of energy storage capacity.

However, delays in project approvals and land allocation processes have hindered the expansion of existing projects and the launch of new ones. Officials were instructed to accelerate land allocation and reclassification procedures.

It was emphasized that the Ministry of Energy and regional administrations must work in close coordination to advance energy development and improve energy efficiency at the local level.

The importance of expanding the participation of local manufacturers and products in project implementation was also highlighted. In 2025, the share of local components in investment projects amounted to $737 million, with plans to increase this figure to over $1 billion in 2026.

Last year, a transformer manufacturing plant was commissioned. This year, projects are planned to localize the production of new types of cables and couplings, wind turbine towers and blades, and to begin localizing energy storage systems.

As electricity generation increases, ensuring timely delivery to consumers remains a pressing issue. It was noted that without the construction of additional high-voltage backbone networks, there is a risk that generation capacity could exceed transmission capacity. The pace of utilizing funds allocated for grid development last year was deemed insufficient.

In response, plans were presented to construct the 602-kilometer “Talimarjan–Sogdiana,” “Syrdarya–Halqa,” and “Karakul–Nurabad” transmission lines in the coming years. By 2030, the “Yangi Angren–Namangan” line and the “Namangan” substation are also scheduled for construction. In Tashkent, 75 kilometers of high-voltage networks and five substations will be built, while 69 kilometers of networks and 18 substations will be modernized. Additionally, 638 kilometers of low-voltage networks and 161 transformer points will undergo modernization.

Plans to improve electricity supply in the Fergana Valley regions through the integration of energy systems with neighboring countries were also discussed. The acceleration of construction of the “Surkhan–Puli-Khumri” high-voltage line and its substations was assigned as a priority task.

It was noted that significant efforts are still required in the area of energy efficiency.

In 2026, systematic and targeted measures must be taken to save 4.378 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 2.84 billion cubic meters of natural gas across sectors. Large enterprises are required to reduce energy consumption by at least 10 percent without decreasing production volumes. Measures were also outlined to attract $200 million in resources to improve energy efficiency in industries and social facilities.

A program for the construction of thermal and cogeneration centers across the country is to be developed and implemented. One cogeneration center will be established in each district of Tashkent, while seven additional centers will be built in other regions based on the Yunusabad model. Authorities were also instructed to study and submit proposals on developing liquefied gas storage infrastructure to ensure the stable operation of thermal power plants during the autumn-winter season.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the President issued additional instructions to ensure the timely launch of strategic projects, accelerate the development of backbone and distribution networks, and enhance energy efficiency.