Uzbekistan is accelerating the development of hydropower in an effort to reduce dependence on natural gas and coal. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Wednesday reviewed a comprehensive sector development plan that envisages large-scale construction of new capacity and expansion of hydropower infrastructure.
A key structural shift in the energy mix remains limited: hydropower currently accounts for about 10–12% of electricity generation in the country. The bulk of production still relies on fossil fuels.
At the same time, the sector has grown significantly in recent years. The number of hydroelectric power plants has nearly tripled — from 36 in 2017 to 100 by 2025. Installed capacity over the same period increased from 1.6 to 2.4 gigawatts.
Authorities view this growth as an intermediate stage. Despite the expansion, a significant portion of the hydropower potential of rivers and canals, according to official estimates, remains untapped.
Large-scale investment and new capacity
Between 2026 and 2032, authorities plan to implement 73 projects with a total value of $5.8 billion. Their combined effect is expected to add about 3.6 gigawatts of new capacity — nearly one and a half times the current level of the sector.
In 2026, 13 new hydroelectric power plants are scheduled to be commissioned. Their combined capacity will total 114 megawatts, with expected annual generation of about 537 million kWh.
Among the key projects is the construction of the Upper Pskem hydropower plant in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region. The $365 million facility is expected to provide 160 megawatts of capacity and generate 484 million kWh per year — enough to supply approximately 161,000 households. The share of locally produced components is projected at 82%, reflecting a policy of import substitution.
Expansion of small-scale generation
Another pillar of the strategy is distributed generation. The country plans to build nearly 3,000 small and micro hydropower plants with a total capacity of 164 megawatts. In parallel, authorities are considering a cascade of small plants on the Upper Tupalang water system, which could add another 541 megawatts and up to 1.9 billion kWh of annual generation.
In the Fergana region, the Sokh hydropower plant with a capacity of 15 megawatts is also planned, capable of covering up to 71% of the district’s electricity demand.
Energy storage and system balancing
The plan also includes the construction of three pumped-storage hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 1.4 gigawatts — a solution widely used in countries with a high share of renewable energy to balance electricity grids.
Digitalization and water management
Authorities also plan to introduce digital monitoring systems for water resources and hydraulic infrastructure. About 3,500 monitoring instruments have already been installed to track water levels, pressure and meteorological data in real time.
Urban projects and water infrastructure
Some initiatives extend beyond the energy sector. In Tashkent, authorities plan to redevelop 306 hectares along the Chirchik River and create green zones along the Bektemir Canal covering 187.3 hectares.
Plans also include expanding the number of artificial lakes and reservoirs. Instead of the initially proposed four sites, the president instructed officials to increase the total to 12, linking the project to improving the city’s microclimate.