Uzbekistan and the United States have reached agreements on energy projects worth between $3 and $4 bn, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov said in an interview with O’zbekiston 24.
He explained that American company Air Products had confirmed its readiness to expand investments in Uzbekistan and diversify its operations in the country.
The Ministry of Energy has signed major deals to replace gas-powered equipment with electric motors in the national gas transport system, including at compressor and booster stations. The US Export-Import Bank has expressed strong interest in financing these initiatives, the minister added.
In the drilling sector, the ministry signed agreements with Schlumberger and Baker Hughes to introduce advanced technology, expertise and management practices. Meanwhile, Uzbekneftegaz and Gulf signed a $100 mln memorandum to create a network of filling stations across the country.
According to Mirzamakhmudov, the replacement of equipment at compressor stations is planned as part of a two to three-year programme valued at a minimum of $800 mln. Pan-Asia, which is coordinating the work, reported that the US Exim Bank is prepared to open a credit line worth $852 mln.
«Taking into account all new agreements, including the project with Air Products on coal gasification, synthesis gas production and its conversion into ammonia, methanol and other value-added products, these can be considered as promising projects for the near future with a total value of around $3–4 bn,» the minister said.
Last week, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Eduardo Menezes, Chief Executive of Air Products. Both sides agreed to speed up the implementation of projects to build a gas chemical complex in Bukhara, develop coal gasification and produce environmentally friendly aviation fuel.
Earlier this month Uzbekistan Airways has signed an $8 bn deal with Boeing to purchase 22 Dreamliner 787 aircraft.
