Electricity in Uzbekistan in 2023
In 2023, fossil fuels continue to dominate the electricity consumption landscape in Uzbekistan, with an overwhelming 87.4% of the country's electricity being sourced from fossil energy. A significant majority of this is derived from natural gas, accounting for more than three-quarters of the total electricity generation, while coal contributes slightly over 7%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources are responsible for only about 9% of the nation's electricity, with hydropower being the sole contributor in this category at 8.34%. This indicates a heavy reliance on fossil energy, posing challenges for sustainability and environmental concerns, such as climate change and air pollution. Additionally, minimal net imports play a small role, covering just under 4% of the electricity consumption.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Uzbekistan?
Regarding the growth of electricity consumption in Uzbekistan, the current per capita electricity usage in 2023, at 2221 kWh, reflects a decline of 672 kWh compared to the historical peak reached in 1987. This indicates a worrying trend of negative growth in overall electricity consumption. Specifically, the uptake of low-carbon electricity has also seen a decline, with the current per capita generation of 198 kWh/person being 170 kWh less than the record set in 1988. The decrease in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption highlights a need for revitalization and expansion of the electricity sector, particularly towards more clean energy sources, to meet future demands and support sustainable development.
Suggestions
Uzbekistan could benefit from observing and adopting strategies from regions that have successfully increased their low-carbon electricity generation. For example, countries like France and Slovakia generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear energy, showcasing the potential for nuclear power as a cornerstone of clean energy. Additionally, wind energy has been successfully harnessed in Iowa and South Dakota, where it accounts for around 60% and 57% of their electricity generation, respectively. Solar power, as seen in countries like Lebanon and Nevada, also presents a viable path for diversification. By investing in and developing these low-carbon technologies, Uzbekistan can reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more sustainable energy future.
History
Throughout the history of low-carbon electricity in Uzbekistan, hydropower has been the primary low-carbon energy source contributing to the country's electricity portfolio. The late 1980s to the early 2000s saw fluctuations in hydropower generation, with significant increases in 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1999, contrasted by notable decreases in 1989, 1995, 2000, and 2004. The years 2005 through 2022 similarly experienced a series of ups and downs, with increases in 2009, 2010, and 2022, yet countered by declines in 2006, 2011, 2018, and 2020. Despite these variances, the evident inconsistency in low-carbon electricity generation further underscores the importance of establishing a more stable and expansive approach to clean energy, particularly through the addition of solar and nuclear energy to the nation's energy mix.
