Electricity in Uzbekistan in 2023
Uzbekistan's electricity generation in 2023 is dominated primarily by fossil fuels, with fossil energy consisting of more than 85% of the total electricity mix. A significant portion of this is derived from natural gas, which makes up almost 80%. Additionally, coal contributes to about 7% of the electricity production, reinforcing the fossil-heavy nature of Uzbekistan's electrical grid. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources, although contributing modestly, account for almost 9% of the total electricity generated, mainly through hydropower which represents over 8% of this clean segment. Net imports make up close to 4%, indicating some dependency on electricity generated beyond Uzbekistan's borders.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Uzbekistan?
The current state of electricity consumption in Uzbekistan reveals a concerning downward trend since the late 1980s. The peak consumption stood at 2892 kWh/person in 1987, but the latest figures from 2023 show a decrease to 2221 kWh/person, a decline of over 20%. This contraction illustrates a need for renewed efforts to expand the electricity system to support both economic growth and modernization. Low-carbon electricity generation also experienced a reduction, dropping from its previous peak of 368 kWh/person to 198 kWh/person. This contraction is indicative of a broader issue where the share of eco-friendly electricity has not kept pace with historical records, which should be a point of national concern given global trajectories favoring clean energy solutions.
Suggestions
Uzbekistan can look toward successful models in France and Slovakia, which boast impressive low-carbon electricity shares through nuclear energy, accounting for over 60% of their total electricity production. Regions such as Denmark and various U.S. states like Iowa and South Dakota have achieved substantial electricity generation from wind power, underpinning the versatility of low-carbon solutions. Uzbekistan should prioritize investment in both nuclear and solar technologies, inspired by countries like the United States, where diverse adoption of solar and wind energies complements nuclear expertise. By embracing these paths, Uzbekistan can reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, contributing positively to combatting climate change and enhancing air quality across the region.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Uzbekistan has been volatile, with significant fluctuations especially in hydropower since the late 1980s. In 1987, hydropower experienced growth, adding 2.2 TWh of clean electricity. However, subsequent years saw frequent declines interspersed with some recovery periods, reflecting an unstable pattern that is inadequate for dependable clean energy expansion. Noteworthy ups and downs in hydropower contribution continued through the late 20th century and early 21st century, suggesting a need for more consistent and strategic investment in stable, reliable low-carbon infrastructure such as nuclear and solar. Uzbekistan must resolve these historical inconsistencies to create a sustainable and robust electricity generation future that meets the growing demand from electrification and AI technologies.
