Uzbekistan Quality Job Creation as a Cornerstone for Sustainable Economic Growth

Resolution of the President No. PP-2947 On Program of Measures for Further 
Development of Hydropower Generation for the Period 2017–2021 (2017). 
The resolution spells out the measures for developing hydropower energy during 
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Box 2.2 continued

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Uzbekistan Quality Job Creation as a Cornerstone for Sustainable Economic Growth
Uzbekistan’s total installed capacity is 14,263 megawatts (MW), comprising 
62% gas, 19% coal, 14% oil, and 134% hydropower plants.
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The 12 thermal 
power plants have a total installed capacity of 10,700 MW. The 31 hydropower 
plants have a total installed capacity of about 1,700 MW (
Azernews
2017). 
Generation from renewable energy remains insignificant. Uzbekistan is heavily 
dependent on natural gas for electricity generation, which accounted for 76% 
of total electricity generated in 2016; hydropower accounted for 21%, and oil 
and coal accounted for the rest. 
The government aims to develop hydro and coal for electricity generation, to 
diversify the generation mix. Initial measures have resulted in a very modest 
increase in generation from hydropower, of about 3.0% between 2013 and 
2018 (Figure 2.8). The share of hydropower in total generation has declined 
from 21.3% in 2013 to 19.8% in 2018. This is despite the President’s resolution 
for developing hydropower energy signed on 2 May 2017. Electricity generation 
from coal increased by 16% from 2013 to 2018. In 2014, five 300 MW oil- and 
gas-fired units were converted to coal-based units that use locally sourced 
coal. Generation from oil has declined continuously since 2004, following the 
government’s effort to reduce dependence on imported oil (Figure 2.8). 
Uzbekistan’s power system was the backbone of the Central Asia Unified 
Power System—an integrated transmission infrastructure that used to connect 
Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, this interconnection became a 
source of conflict. Trade among countries has declined since then. Uzbekistan 
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Enerdata. 
https://www.enerdata.net/ (accessed 9 August 2019).
Box 2.2 continued
2017–2021. The decree aims to increase electricity generation from hydropower 
plants, improve the efficiency of existing plants and water resources management, 
and meet the increasing domestic demand for electricity.