Electricity in Uzbekistan in 2023
As of 2023, Uzbekistan's electricity consumption is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with gas accounting for a significant majority at more than three-quarters of the total. In total, fossil-sourced electricity constitutes almost 90% of the electricity consumption in the country. On the cleaner, low-carbon front, hydropower makes up the majority of the electricity generated, standing at slightly over 8% of the total. Coal also represents a substantial share, contributing to about 7% of the electricity mix. Despite efforts to import cleaner energy, net imports account for less than 4% of the electricity supply. Overall, low-carbon sources contribute to less than 10% of Uzbekistan's electricity, indicating room for significant growth in this area.
Is Electricity Growing in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has experienced a notable decline in electricity consumption per person compared to its record high in 1987. Currently, the average electricity use per person is 2221 kWh, which is a reduction of more than 23% compared to the 2892 kWh per person experienced in the late 1980s. This is a troubling indicator of stagnation, especially when one considers the global demand for increased electrification. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased significantly from its peak, with the present figure of 198 kWh/person being drastically lower than the 368 kWh/person recorded in 1988. This decline in clean energy consumption is concerning, particularly in the context of increasing demand for sustainable solutions to combat climate change.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Uzbekistan can take inspiration from countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine, which have successfully utilized nuclear power to generate more than 50% of their electricity. Adopting nuclear energy could significantly bolster Uzbekistan's low-carbon output while ensuring a stable supply. Additionally, states like Iowa and South Dakota, which derive more than half their electricity from wind, highlight an opportunity to harness Uzbekistan's wind potential. Given the country's abundance of sunlight, Uzbekistan can also learn from regions like Lebanon and Nevada, which effectively utilize solar power. This combination of expanded solar and nuclear capacities can substantially increase Uzbekistan's clean energy generation and move the country towards a greener future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Uzbekistan shows varying levels of hydropower output over several decades. In the late 1980s and 1990s, fluctuations were observed, including a significant drop between 1989 and 1990 by 1.7 TWh, followed by recovery and growth in some years. Early in the 2000s, there was a notable decline of 3.5 TWh in 2000, which was partly offset by gains in later years like 2002 and 2003. While hydroelectric power has seen occasional growth, such as in 2005 and 2010 with increases of around 2 TWh, there have been periods of decline, especially in more recent years like 2020. To truly embrace the potential of low-carbon electricity, Uzbekistan needs consistent upward growth, ideally from multiple green sources like nuclear and solar, to provide stability and sustainability in its electricity supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.