Uzbekistan, China Sign Deal to Upgrade Hydropower Stations

Uzbekistan and China have finalized agreements to modernize three hydroelectric plants in the Tashkent region. The state-owned Uzbekhydroenergo JSC signed a package of agreements with Chinese energy company TBEA Co., Ltd. for the comprehensive renovation of HPP–19, HPP–22, and HPP–23, which form part of the Lower Bozsuv hydropower cascade. The work will be executed under a turnkey EPC–Engineering, Procurement, and Construction–contract.

TBEA Co., Ltd. was selected following an open tender process. Its proposal was chosen for its application of advanced technologies and its significant international experience in implementing large-scale energy projects. The modernization will focus on updating the control systems and technological equipment of the power stations to improve both operational reliability and safety.

The project will increase the total installed capacity of the three plants from 27.4 megawatts to 32.4 megawatts, an addition of 5 MW. Once completed, the hydroelectric plants are projected to generate 52.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, an amount sufficient to supply power to more than 21,000 households.

The modernization is also expected to result in annual savings of 17 million cubic meters of natural gas and reduce coal consumption by over 40,000 tons.