“The demand for electricity in Uzbekistan, adjusted for economic growth rate, goes up nearly 6% every year, while the annual population increase is one million. We forecast the demand to grow at around 7.5% annually till 2030, the current figure being 7-8%,” Mirzamakhmudov remarked.
With the expanding consumption, new generation facilities must be constructed, the major part of which will be RES. The program adopted by Uzbekistan includes plans to build up to 20 GW of solar and wind projects, thus increasing the RES share to 40% of the national generation mix.
“Currently they account for up to 10% of total generation, and by the end of the year their share will be 15%. Around 2.5-3.5 GW оf renewable capacity will be installed every year,” the Minister announced.
Renewables will be developed alongside other energy sources. “Now, looking towards the end of this year, our thermal power plant capacity will be more than 14 GW; as of year-end 2030 it will reach 18.5 GW. We have a balanced development outlook embracing all energy sources. With over 300 sunny days and good wind flows, it would be a sin not to use this benefit,” Mirzamakhmudov said.