Electricity in Uzbekistan in 2023
In 2023, Uzbekistan's electricity generation heavily relies on fossil fuels, with almost 90% coming from these sources, predominantly gas at roughly 78%. Coal also contributes around 7%. Low-carbon or clean energy sources account for just under 9% of the electricity mix, with hydropower being the primary low-carbon contributor at over 8%. Net imports make up about 4% of Uzbekistan's electricity. The country's dependency on fossil fuels highlights the urgent need for diversification towards sustainable energy sources to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Uzbekistan?
Examining the trend in electricity consumption, it's concerning to note that current levels in Uzbekistan have not yet surpassed past records. The latest data shows electricity consumption at 2221 kWh per person, a significant drop from the peak of 2892 kWh per person in 1987. This decline of 672 kWh per person indicates that Uzbekistan's electricity consumption hasn't grown over the decades. Furthermore, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also fallen from a peak of 368 kWh per person in 1988 to just 198 kWh per person today, marking a decrease of 170 kWh per person. This stagnation, particularly in clean electricity, is a worrying trend, especially in the face of growing electrification demands and advancements in technologies such as AI that require more electricity.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Uzbekistan can look to successful examples of nuclear and solar power in other regions. France and Slovakia, generating around 69% and 64% of their electricity from nuclear power respectively, exemplify how adopting nuclear energy can significantly boost clean power in the mix. Similarly, regions like Lebanon and Nevada generate more than a quarter of their electricity from solar energy. Adopting strategies from these regions could aid Uzbekistan in harnessing its solar potential, given favorable climatic conditions. Focusing on expanding nuclear capacity, and tapping into its sunny weather for solar energy, would provide a robust path towards a sustainable and diversified energy portfolio.
History
Historically, Uzbekistan has experienced fluctuations in hydroelectric power generation. The late 1980s experienced a significant boost, with a notable increase in 1987. However, the following decades saw a pattern of both growth and setbacks. The early 2000s had a marked decline in hydroelectric generation, particularly in 2000 and 2006. More recently, increments such as the increase in 2009 and the latest rise in 2022 show potential for expansion. These fluctuations underscore the need for a stable and reliable increase in low-carbon electricity generation sources alongside hydro, particularly focusing on consistent investments in solar and nuclear energy to maintain and grow Uzbekistan's clean energy share.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.