Uzbekhydroenergo Advances Hydropower Cascade Project in Surkhandarya
Uzbekhydroenergo has initiated a detailed exploration of the hydropower potential of rivers in the mountains of the Surkhandarya region. The operations commenced following a February visit to the area by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who issued directives to accelerate the development of renewable energy generation in the south of the country. The state-owned company is currently evaluating the capacity for new megawatt generation based on elevation changes and the specific characteristics of the mountain waterways.
The exploration is taking place under challenging climatic and topographical conditions. An expert group led by the company’s chairman of the board, Islam Abdurakhmonov, surveyed the Yukori Topolang territory. Given that elevations in this area reach up to 3,000 meters above sea level, specialists utilized a helicopter for the rapid assessment of hydrological parameters and river flow velocities. Preliminary results from the aerial survey indicate that the Yukori Topolang river basin is suitable for cascade hydroelectric construction.
The subsequent phase in developing this high-altitude zone will be the construction of the Kishtut cascade, comprising three hydroelectric power plants. The projected capacity of these new facilities is 80 megawatts. Parallel to the design of the stations, engineers have begun establishing the associated infrastructure. A double-circuit 110/220 kilovolt overhead power line is being constructed from the Zarchob substation to the future site of the Kishtut cascade. The new power line will span nearly 18 kilometers – a development that will integrate the upcoming power generation into the energy grid of the mountainous and foothill districts.
Topographical surveys are currently underway in the Yukori Topolang area, the results of which will determine the final coordinates for the future dams and station hubs. Contractors have received instructions to expedite the construction of unpaved access roads to the building sites. The schedule and methodology for drilling and blasting operations are being adjusted in response to the increased water flow of the Mizot river – a measure ensuring that engineers strictly comply with industrial safety standards in the unstable mountain terrain.
