Electricity in Uzbekistan in 2023
In 2023, electricity consumption in Uzbekistan is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 85% of its electricity generated from these sources. Gas is the dominant fossil fuel, providing almost four-fifths of the electricity, while coal accounts for a smaller portion. Low-carbon energy sources, primarily hydropower, contribute nearly 9% of the electricity, indicating a significant gap between fossil and clean energy use. Hydropower alone covers about 8% of the electricity needs, highlighting its role as the main clean energy type. Net imports also account for a minor share, at about 4% of total electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Uzbekistan?
Despite its critical role as an enabler of economic and social development, Uzbekistan's electricity consumption has declined from a historical peak. In 2023, the per capita consumption is approximately 2,221 kWh, down by over 670 kWh from the record level seen in 1987. Simultaneously, the low-carbon segment's contribution has also decreased significantly, showing a reduction of about 170 kWh per capita from its previous peak in 1988. This trend captures a concerning decrease in both overall electricity and low-carbon electricity use, suggesting a need for strategic efforts to elevate the nation's electricity infrastructure and clean energy share.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Uzbekistan can learn from successful countries and regions with ample low-carbon energy contributions. Integrating solar and nuclear energy presents a robust opportunity, as does leveraging wind energy's potential. For example, France and Slovakia rely heavily on nuclear power for over 60% of their electricity, showcasing the strength of nuclear energy. Regions such as Iowa and South Dakota generate more than 60% of their electricity from wind, underlining wind's transformative potential. Taking cues from these successes, Uzbekistan should consider expanding solar power as seen in Lebanon and Greece, while also investing in nuclear infrastructure similar to that in Ukraine and Slovakia, to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance low-carbon electricity production.
History
Historically, Uzbekistan has experienced varying trends in hydropower generation. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw sporadic growth, followed by several years of decline, particularly from 1995 onwards. The early 21st century brought fluctuating patterns, with notable declines such as a 3.5 TWh drop in 2000 and a 4.3 TWh decrease in 2006. More recently, hydropower generation witnessed modest recoveries with increases in 2009, 2010, and after 2017, though often offset by subsequent declines. These patterns highlight an unstable reliance on hydropower, further emphasizing the need for diversifying Uzbekistan's clean energy portfolio to more reliable and scalable sources like nuclear and solar power. By addressing these challenges, Uzbekistan can create a more sustainable and resilient electricity system.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.