Uzbekistan completed its first digital substation, the Zafarabad 220kV Digital Substation, located in Jizzakh Province. Built by Shanghai Electric, the substation covers 75,000 square meters and is designed to improve power supply in eastern Uzbekistan. With a capacity of 400 MW, it will double the power supply to the Jizzakh region, ensuring more stable electricity delivery to both industrial and residential areas.
For years, Uzbekistan faced challenges with natural gas and electricity shortages. The Zafarabad substation is set to address these issues, supporting the region’s growing energy demand. The substation includes 250 MVA auto-transformers made by Shanghai Electric, which will reduce the voltage from 220 kV to 110 kV for local distribution.
A key feature of this project is the fully digitalized system installed at the substation. It includes advanced monitoring and data acquisition systems, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for manual maintenance. Moreover, the system can detect faults in real-time and adjust the power load to prevent outages.
The project was awarded to Shanghai Electric in October 2021 by the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan. The team faced challenges in coordinating efforts across Chinese and Uzbek teams. Despite these challenges, the project was completed successfully, achieving a three-year accident-free operation. The substation represents a major step forward in modernizing Uzbekistan’s power sector and improving its energy security.
