Solar and wind power plants accounted for 9.4% of Uzbekistan’s electricity generation between November 1 and 10, saving 63 million cubic metres of natural gas, the country’s Energy Ministry reported.

Uzbekistan generated a total of 2.5 billion kWh of electricity during the 10-day period. Solar power plants contributed 140.6 million kWh, while wind farms produced 95.7 million kWh, The Caspian Post reports, citing UzDaily.

Their combined electricity output also helped prevent the release of 136,000 tonnes of harmful substances into the atmosphere, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, thermal power plants consumed 405.5 million cubic metres of natural gas to generate electricity over the same period.

However, renewable energy production fluctuates depending on weather conditions, making it difficult for solar and wind power plants to maintain stable electricity generation throughout the day.

Solar power generation declines during autumn and winter as daylight hours become shorter and solar radiation decreases. Cloud cover also reduces the amount of electricity produced by solar panels.

Wind farms, in turn, depend on wind speeds, with weaker winds resulting in lower electricity generation.

The impact of these factors was evident in daily production figures for November 8 and 9.

On November 8, solar and wind power plants generated a combined 38.6 million kWh of electricity. Their output dropped to 11.9 million kWh the following day.

Over the same period, electricity generation at thermal power plants increased from 187.7 million kWh to 214.2 million kWh.

The ministry noted that thermal power plants played a larger role in meeting consumer demand when solar and wind generation declined. Households, hospitals, schools and businesses require a continuous electricity supply.

The Energy Ministry stressed that simply building additional solar and wind power plants would not be enough to reduce natural gas consumption.

It also highlighted the need to expand electricity storage capacity, construct new transmission networks and substations, and develop other reliable energy sources.

Energy storage systems can retain surplus electricity generated during periods of strong solar production and supply it to the grid when demand rises.

According to the ministry, solar and wind power plants contribute to natural gas savings and lower harmful emissions. However, uninterrupted electricity generation from these sources cannot be guaranteed anywhere in the world.

Thermal power plants therefore continue to play an important role in ensuring a reliable electricity supply.