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Plans for the construction of about 3 thousand small and micro hydroelectric power stations will be accelerated
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev August 19got acquaintedwith a presentation on measures to develop a network of small and micro hydroelectric power plants.
According to a separate resolution adopted last year, it was planned to build about 3 thousand small and micro hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of 164 MW with the participation of the private sector. To date, 64 projects have been launched with a total capacity of 41.6 MW, which is only a quarter of what was planned. For 932 projects, an initiator has been identified. There is a slow development of the World Bank`s concessional resources amounting to $150 million.
Entrepreneurs and investors are expressing concern about the conditions for the construction and sale of electricity. It is proposed to set a minimum purchase price for electricity at auctions and differentiate tariffs depending on the power of the stations. This will solve the problem of projects won at zero price but not implemented.
For micro hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of up to 100 kW, design and construction are simplified. Projects up to 50 kW are exempt from the examination of urban planning documentation and state architectural and construction control.
It is allowed to make changes to the design of canals, rivers and channels to create additional water pressure. At water management facilities, small and micro hydroelectric power stations for one’s own needs can be built without an auction.
A digital platform is being introduced for all stages - from site selection to operation. Unified methodological recommendations and procedures for implementing projects with the participation of the private sector are being developed.
An acute problem is high import dependence: 90% of hydraulic units and components are imported from abroad.
The importance of using the experience of Uzbekhydroenergo JSC, which built 46 small and micro hydroelectric power stations, was noted to provide entrepreneurs with comprehensive services for the design, construction and supply of equipment. A list of units and components for localization will be generated.
The total length of rivers and canals is more than 173 thousand kilometers. Great potential has been noted for the construction of small and micro hydroelectric power stations on concrete canals. It was ordered to conduct a complete inventory of such objects.
By 2030, it is planned to increase the capacity of such stations to 204.8 MW and produce 620 million kWh of environmentally friendly electricity per year. This will provide 350 thousand households with “green” energy, save 187 million cubic meters of gas and prevent the emission of 311 thousand tons of CO₂.
Starting from the new academic year, dual education will be introduced to train personnel in small hydropower. Energy enterprises will become the basis for student practice.
The head of state gave instructions to accelerate projects, attract private investment, localize equipment and train personnel.
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