The modernization involves installation of a new, 370-megawatt steam-gas unit at the plant. The value of the contract has not been disclosed.

The new steam-gas unit will boost the station’s capacity, raise efficiency and reduce the environmental impact. The station currently has 1,860 megawatts of capacity.

The Slovakian-Canadian consortium won the tender to the turnkey contract in April.

Uzbekistan’s program of modernization and technical and technological re-equipment in 2009-2014 puts the cost of the project at US$463.6 million. The financing sources include US$274.3 million from Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), US$76.9 million from Uzbekenergo internal funds, US$76.2 million from the Uzbek Reconstruction and Development Fund and US$36.1 million in loans from Uzbek commercial banks.