Electricity in Uzbekistan in 2023
In 2023, the electricity landscape in Uzbekistan is predominantly fueled by fossil energy, with almost nine-tenths of its electricity coming from such sources. Gas alone powers over three-quarters of this fossil electricity generation, and coal constitutes a smaller portion. Low-carbon energy sources like hydropower contribute less than one-tenth of the total electricity generation, with hydropower making up the majority of the clean energy share. Net imports account for under four percent of the electricity supply, highlighting the country’s reliance on local energy resources. This dependency on fossil fuels underscores the urgent need for Uzbekistan to transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity sources to tackle climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Uzbekistan?
The trajectory of electricity consumption in Uzbekistan shows a concerning decline. As of 2023, the average electricity consumption is around 2,221 kWh per person, a significant drop from the peak usage of 2,892 kWh per person in 1987. This decline of 672 kWh per person signals stagnation rather than growth. Similarly, low-carbon energy generation has shown a downturn, with the latest numbers at 198 kWh per person compared to 368 kWh per person back in 1988, marking a decrease of 170 kWh per person. These figures suggest an urgent need to revitalize and expand clean electricity generation to meet the future demands driven by electrification and technological advancement.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Uzbekistan can learn from countries that have effectively adopted nuclear and solar energy solutions. Notably, countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy makes up more than two-thirds of their electricity supply, illustrate the potential for nuclear power to significantly transform an energy matrix. Additionally, regions like Nevada and California demonstrate the successful integration of solar technology, with over 30% of their electricity coming from solar energy. Uzbekistan could emulate these strategies by investing in both nuclear and solar power. This approach would diversify its energy sources and substantially reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, setting a course for a more sustainable and secure energy future.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Uzbekistan, we can see notable fluctuations, especially in hydropower generation. In the late 1980s, the country experienced modest increases, with a peak in 1987. However, the 1990s and early 2000s were characterized by instability and several dips, notably in 2000. The first two decades of the 21st century saw some recovery and significant year-on-year variations. More recent years, such as 2020, noted a decline, though 2022 showed some improvement. This historical inconsistency highlights the importance of establishing a robust and reliable plan for expanding low-carbon electricity production in Uzbekistan, focusing on technologies like solar and nuclear which offer steadier growth opportunities.
