Uzbekistan’s state-owned Uzbekgidroenergo has awarded major modernization contracts to Chinese engineering firms TBEA and Sinohydro following competitive tenders, marking a significant step in the country’s strategy to boost renewable energy capacity and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Five hydroelectric stations to undergo complete overhaul
TBEA will execute an end-to-end modernization project covering three hydroelectric stations in the Nizhneye-Bozsuy cascade located in Tashkent Region. The stations — GES-19, GES-22, and GES-23 — will receive comprehensive upgrades including replacement of control systems, technological equipment, and installation of new generation units. The combined capacity of these three facilities is expected to increase from 27.4 MW to 32.4 MW, representing an 18 percent jump. This expansion will enable additional annual electricity generation of 52.8 million kWh, enough to serve more than 21,000 households.
Separately, Sinohydro — a subsidiary of China’s state-owned PowerChina — has secured the contract to modernize two stations in the Shakhrikhan cascade in Andijan Region. The GES-5A and GES-6A facilities will undergo similar comprehensive upgrades under a turnkey arrangement encompassing design, construction, equipment supply, and commissioning. Here, capacity will more than double, rising from 7.6 MW to 16.4 MW, with annual generation climbing to 33 million kWh. This output will serve approximately 13,000 households.
Tangible energy and environmental gains
The environmental and fiscal benefits are substantial. The Tashkent region modernization will allow the state to save 17 million cubic meters of natural gas and more than 40,000 tonnes of coal annually. In the Andijan region, the corresponding savings will reach 11 million cubic meters of gas and 27,500 tonnes of coal per year. Across both projects, the state will reduce its annual reliance on fossil fuels significantly — a critical consideration given Uzbekistan’s energy security challenges and water resource constraints in Central Asia.
The modernization efforts address a pressing need in Uzbekistan’s energy sector. The country has been accelerating the development of renewable energy sources to meet growing domestic demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These hydroelectric upgrades contribute directly to that agenda, strengthening the stability of regional energy systems across Tashkent and Andijan areas.
Strategic partnership framework
Both contracts were awarded through open tender processes, reflecting Uzbekistan’s commitment to competitive procurement. The agreements represent more than simple construction contracts — they embody a strategic partnership between Uzbekistan’s energy sector and leading Chinese hydroelectric specialists. By bringing in international contractors with advanced technological expertise, Uzbekgidroenergo gains access to proven methodologies for equipment upgrading, system modernization, and operational efficiency improvements.
The turnkey structure of both projects — where Chinese firms handle everything from engineering through final commissioning — reduces technical risk and ensures standardized implementation quality. This approach is particularly valuable for hydroelectric facilities, where equipment integration and system optimization require specialized knowledge.
Why this matters for international investors
For international companies operating in construction, engineering, energy infrastructure, or related sectors, these developments signal important trends. Uzbekistan is actively modernizing its basic industrial infrastructure and remains open to international partnerships, particularly with firms bringing specialized technical capabilities. The competitive tender process demonstrates a commitment to transparent procurement, creating predictable conditions for foreign investors. As the country pursues energy security and environmental sustainability goals, opportunities will continue to emerge in equipment supply, engineering services, and infrastructure development. Companies with expertise in hydroelectric modernization, power systems integration, industrial automation, or related fields should view Central Asia’s energy transition as an expanding market opportunity.
