EDF’s General Director Outlines Vision for Uzbekistan’s Energy Transition
Pierre-Paul Antheunissens, General Director of Électricité de France (EDF), set a dynamic tone at the 2024 European Economic Days in Uzbekistan, where he outlined EDF’s ambitious plans to support the country’s energy transition. Organized by the European-Uzbek Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ) on November 6-7, the event gathered over 400 participants, including government officials, business leaders, and investors, all eager to explore deeper economic ties between Uzbekistan and the European Union (EU).
Strengthening Uzbekistan’s energy grid
With a focus on infrastructure, Antheunissens emphasized that Uzbekistan’s top challenge is not just in generating renewable energy—it is in managing how this energy is stored and transported across the country. As the Deputy Minister of Energy, Sherzod Khodjaev, pointed out, Uzbekistan’s existing grid requires extensive upgrades to transport power efficiently from production hubs to urban centres and industrial areas. Developing this infrastructure, particularly through new transmission lines, will be an expensive and complex process, underscoring the importance of private sector involvement and international investment.
EDF is preparing to address these infrastructure needs with an integrated approach, applying European expertise to help build a modern, resilient grid capable of supporting Uzbekistan’s expanding energy mix. Antheunissens noted that this grid transformation will be essential in delivering energy from new renewable sources, making it a cornerstone of EDF’s efforts in the country.
Driving expansion beyond gas projects
EDF first entered Uzbekistan in 2019, beginning with a successful bid for a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) project in Syrdarya, which laid the groundwork for its involvement in Uzbekistan’s energy sector. Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, EDF formalized its presence in the country in 2022, establishing itself as a reliable partner in power generation. Since then, EDF has secured a second CCGT project in Surkhandarya, solidifying its role in gas-based energy.
However, Antheunissens stressed that EDF’s ambitions go beyond gas projects. With Uzbekistan focused on a greener future, EDF is actively exploring investments in urban distribution networks, renewables, and transmission lines that will support the country’s shift toward sustainable energy. The expansion of renewable projects, in particular, represents a major step forward for Uzbekistan, allowing EDF to apply its expertise in cleaner energy solutions while helping the country meet its sustainability targets.
Unlocking private sector participation
A key aspect of EDF’s vision involves unlocking new funding channels, as modernizing Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure will require substantial financial resources. Antheunissens highlighted the critical role of private-sector partnerships in mobilizing the necessary capital for infrastructure improvements. EDF is exploring ways to attract investment by leveraging its extensive experience in managing large-scale energy projects, ensuring that essential upgrades to Uzbekistan’s grid are financially viable and sustainable.
Supporting Uzbekistan’s global ambitions
The European Economic Days showcased the deepening relationship between the EU and Uzbekistan, with EDF exemplifying how European companies can support Uzbekistan’s developmental ambitions. By contributing expertise and resources, EDF aims to enable Uzbekistan to become a regional leader in energy diversification. As the country works to balance its growing demand for energy with the need for sustainable solutions, EDF’s involvement is set to play a transformative role in realizing Uzbekistan’s energy future.
This aligns with Uzbekistan’s goal of reaching a 25% share of renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030.
