Uzbek Leader Launches Naryn Hydropower Cascade, Boosting National Renewable Energy

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has officially commissioned the first stage of the Naryn Hydropower Cascade in Namangan region, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy development.

During his visit, President Mirziyoyev inspected the newly launched facility and highlighted Uzbekistan’s strategic commitment to renewable energy as a key driver of economic sustainability, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Over the past few years, the country has launched more than ten solar and wind power plants, along with hydropower stations totaling 450 megawatts across Bukhara, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Navoi, Samarkand, and Surkhandarya regions.

The Naryn Hydropower Cascade, developed by Uzbekhydroenergo, comprises six hydropower plants along the Naryn River, with a total investment of over $428 million and a combined capacity of 228 megawatts. The first plant, HPP-1, is the nation’s first hydropower facility constructed entirely with domestic materials and equipment.

HPP-1 is projected to generate 171 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, create 130 jobs, supply power to 430,000 households, and save 290 million cubic meters of gas each year, equivalent to nearly 300 billion UZS ($24.422 billion). For the first time in Uzbekistan, horizontal capsule hydro units have been introduced, offering high efficiency even under low water pressure.

The facility also features a spillway, administrative and service buildings, and a dispatch center. Environmental and recreational enhancements include the planting of 6,000 decorative trees, with 7,000 fruit saplings planned for spring, establishing the site as a potential eco-tourism destination.

The Naryn Cascade is a cornerstone project for advancing a green economy and enhancing public welfare. The second and third plants are scheduled for completion in 2026, with the remaining three set for 2027, each providing 38 megawatts of capacity and creating additional jobs.

Large-scale energy projects like this are crucial for ensuring a reliable electricity supply, supporting industrial growth, and boosting economic efficiency. In a related development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ACWA Power have signed a $51 million loan to build the Nukus 2 Wind and Battery Energy Storage facility in Qoraozak district, further expanding Uzbekistan’s renewable energy infrastructure.