Uzbekistan has taken another step toward strengthening its clean energy agenda by expanding hydropower cooperation with China’s Sinohydro Co., Ltd., signaling deeper bilateral ties and a renewed push to modernize the country’s hydroelectric infrastructure using advanced technologies and international standards.

Uzbekistan has entered a new phase in the development of its hydropower sector after Uzbekhydroenergo signed a package of agreements aimed at the large-scale modernization of hydroelectric power plants across the country, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

As part of the signing ceremony, a strategic cooperation agreement was concluded between Uzbekhydroenergo and Sinohydro Co., Ltd., one of China’s leading international engineering firms with extensive experience in major hydropower projects worldwide.

Following open and transparent tender procedures, Sinohydro was selected as the winning contractor, having fully met all technical and quality requirements. The company’s proven track record in delivering complex hydropower facilities played a key role in the decision.

Under the agreement, the modernization of the Shakhrikhan hydropower cascade-HPP-5A and HPP-6A in the Andijan Region-will be implemented under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) “turnkey” format. This approach envisages full-cycle execution, including design, construction, supply of technological equipment, and commissioning of the facilities.

The project is expected to significantly improve the operational performance of the power plants, modernize technological and management systems, and enhance the reliability and resilience of Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure.

As a result of the upgrade, the combined installed capacity of the two hydropower plants will increase from 7.6 MW to 16.4 MW. The additional 7.8 MW of capacity will enable annual electricity generation of around 33 million kWh, supplying power to more than 13,000 households each year. The project will also allow Uzbekistan to save approximately 11 million cubic meters of natural gas and more than 27,500 tons of coal annually.

Officials noted that the initiative represents an important contribution to Uzbekistan-China bilateral cooperation, promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and modern international standards in the hydropower sector. The modernization will also support energy security, expand the share of clean energy, and ensure a more sustainable power supply.

The partnership between Uzbekhydroenergo and Sinohydro elevates strategic cooperation in hydropower to a qualitatively new level, laying the groundwork for the implementation of major investment projects in the future.