Presented a plan to reform the electricity industry

The Government of Uzbekistan has submitted a draft Plan of Practical Measures to Reform the Electric Power Industry, developed jointly with international financial institutions, and providing for the implementation of key short-term and medium-term actions.

The project was presented during an international round table in Tashkent entitled “Reforms in the energy sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, which was attended by over 150 representatives of government agencies, enterprises, international financial institutions and organizations.

Based on its results, the partners unanimously confirmed that energy sector reforms should remain the main and most important development priority, taking into account its role and contribution to the country’s economy. Cooperation in this area will continue in the areas of corporate governance in new enterprises of the electric power industry and their commercialization, financial sustainability and tariff reforms, investment planning and private sector participation.

International financial institutions confirmed their willingness to participate in a number of projects in Uzbekistan, in particular, the World Bank group approved the allocation of $ 300 million for the modernization program of the National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan JSC, as well as cooperation in the next phase of public-private partnership projects of 1000 MW of solar energy in the Navoi region. In addition, the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank will prepare a first draft of a public-private partnership for thermal power generation in the Syrdarya region with a total capacity of 2,600 MW. The Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will finance the construction of 900 MW combined-cycle plants at the Talimarjan TPP, the development of the first project for the development of 100 MW wind energy in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the modernization of the electricity networks of National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan;

Following the results of the round table, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development issued a joint statement, which noted the importance of reforming the country’s electricity industry, the need to develop a competitive environment and attract investments.

Source: Pravda Vostoka