Electricity in Uzbekistan in 2023
In 2023, Uzbekistan's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for almost 90% of its energy mix, with gas being the dominant source at more than three-quarters of the total. Low-carbon sources, such as hydropower, contribute to a smaller portion of the electricity generation, approximately 9%. Meanwhile, coal covers around 7% and the country supplements its electricity needs with net imports, amounting to almost 4% of the total. This heavy dependence on fossil fuels raises concerns about the environmental impact, specifically related to climate change and air pollution, underlining the necessity to boost low-carbon solutions to meet energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Uzbekistan could draw inspiration from countries with successful low-carbon implementations. For instance, regional counterparts like Ukraine and Armenia have successfully integrated nuclear energy, contributing more than 50% and around 30% of their electricity needs, respectively, through this clean energy source. Moreover, countries like Denmark have achieved over half of their electricity from wind power, illustrating the potential of wind energy to transform the energy landscape. Uzbekistan can consider both nuclear and wind energy, given these examples of effective utilization, to diversify and decarbonize its energy system, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
History
Historically, Uzbekistan’s low-carbon electricity generation has primarily leaned on hydropower. The data from previous decades indicates fluctuations, with notable increases in hydroelectric generation occurring in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, there have been significant declines, particularly in the early 2000s, with a marked reduction in 2000 and 2006. The period since then has seen some recovery, with moderate gains in 2009 and 2010 and a positive trend continuing into recent years, evidenced by a rise in 2022. Despite these variations, the persistent challenges underscore the importance of expanding low-carbon energy sources beyond hydropower to achieve a steady and reliable clean energy mix in Uzbekistan.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.