Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — To highlight the sweeping reforms underway in the country’s energy sector, Uzbekhydroenergo JSC organized a press tour for local and foreign media representatives to the new small hydropower plant “Zarchob-3,” located on the Tupolang River in the Sariasiy district of Surkhandarya region.

The event brought together representatives from leading domestic and international media outlets, bloggers, and energy sector specialists.

A New Energy Facility Built in Record Time

In recent years, the Republic of Uzbekistan has been actively implementing a broad strategy aimed at modernizing and diversifying its energy industry. The country’s priorities include energy security, sustainable economic growth, and the introduction of green technologies.

One of the key directions is expanding electricity generation through renewable energy sources, including hydropower, solar, and wind. These efforts are aimed at reducing dependence on traditional energy resources, cutting carbon emissions, and boosting energy efficiency.

The small hydropower plant “Zarchob-3,” with a capacity of 16 MW, is part of Uzbekhydroenergo’s major program to utilize water resources efficiently and increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix. The station was initiated following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Surkhandarya on November 17, 2023, and was completed in less than a year and a half, during 2024–2025. The construction relied primarily on the company’s own resources and technical capabilities.

Contributing to Regional Energy Supply

Currently operating in test mode, the “Zarchob-3” HPP is expected to generate up to 70 million kWh of electricity annually once fully commissioned. This will provide power to approximately 23,200 households or more than 93,000 people. Additionally, the project is expected to save around 19 million cubic meters of natural gas each year.

The project uses a cascade approach, in which the hydropower potential of the Tupolang River is harnessed multiple times through a “chain sequence” of hydro plants. This significantly improves the efficiency of power generation from a single water source.

Information Program and Infrastructure Overview

During the press tour, participants were also introduced to the operations of the Tupolang HPP branch, the smaller hydropower plants “Zarchob-1” and “Zarchob-2,” the local reservoir, and a major potable water supply project in the Surkhandarya region.

Organizers emphasized the importance of implementing the project within a cascading system that maximizes electricity extraction at multiple stages along the same river, thereby enhancing regional energy security and contributing to sustainable development.

A Focus on Sustainability

Special attention during the press tour was paid to the station’s environmental impact, rational water use, and compliance with safety standards. According to organizers, the Tupolang HPP plays a key role in promoting sustainable development in Surkhandarya and strengthening Uzbekistan’s energy independence.

Uzbekhydroenergo’s consistent policy in the hydropower sector not only increases the output of clean energy, but also contributes to the socio-economic development of the regions where new plants are being built and hydro infrastructure is being upgraded.

Overall, Uzbekistan’s energy transformation represents a balanced, long-term approach aimed at establishing a sustainable, eco-friendly, and competitive energy infrastructure. This course lays a strong foundation for economic growth, industrial development, and greater international investment appeal.

Uzbekhydroenergo JSC intends to continue working closely with national and international media to widely promote the country’s green energy policy and strengthen the energy potential of the New Uzbekistan.