Uzbekistan to Launch 13 Hydroelectric Plants in Major 2026 Energy Push
Uzbekistan is preparing to expand its renewable energy footprint with the commissioning of 13 new hydroelectric power plants this year.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was recently briefed on these developments, which are expected to add 114 MW of capacity to the national grid and generate roughly 537 mln kWh of electricity annually.
A primary focus of the expansion is the Upper Pskem hydroelectric project located in the Bostanlyk district. Representing an investment of $365 mln, it stands as one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the current energy cycle.
Furthermore, the 15 MW Sokh hydroelectric power plant is set to play a transformative role for its namesake district. Projections indicate it will provide 50 mln kWh of power each year, meeting approximately 71% of local electricity demand.
The government has also identified substantial potential within the Upper Tupalang river system. By constructing 42 small-scale hydroelectric facilities along the tributaries feeding the Tupalang reservoir, the nation could unlock 541 MW of capacity and an annual output of approximately 1.9 bn kWh.
Long-term infrastructure and digitalisation
Looking further ahead, the state aims to construct over 2,900 micro-hydroelectric plants with a cumulative capacity of 164 MW. The briefing also highlighted plans for the country’s first pumped-storage power stations, which are expected to contribute a massive 1.4 GW of capacity.
To manage these complex assets, Uzbekistan is implementing advanced online monitoring systems to track water volume, pressure, weather conditions and structural integrity. Safety remains a priority, with 3,500 sensors and measuring instruments already deployed across the nation’s reservoirs to provide real-time data and ensure secure operations.
