The cascade of small hydropower plants (HPP) was launched on the Grand Fergana Canal, UzA reported. The project was implemented under the Hydropower Development Program until 2022, approved by the President in May 2017.
The 12 MW total capacity cascade can produce 72.89 million kWh annually. This volume of output, as noted by UzA, will allow to continuously supply electricity to 48,000 households in the Uchkurgan district.
The project cost is US$ 31 million, of which 22.3 million is Uzbekgidroenergo’s funds, and the rest is the loan provided by China's Eximbank.
The cascade consists of two small hydropower plants, 6 MW each. Over 3000 fruit and ornamental trees have been planted on the banks of the canal.
According to the Namangan province governro Khairullo Bozorov, eight various size rivers and canals flow through the Uchkurgan district, where it is planned to implement "dozens of projects".
The program of measures for the development of Uzbekistan’s hydropower sector for 2017–2021 provides for the construction of 42 new and modernization of 32 existing hydroelectric power plants. In March, a hydroelectric power station was launched at the Tuyabogiz reservoir in Tashkent province.
A cascade of small hydroelectric stations at the Tupolon River in Surkhandarya province is ongoing. The US$ 139 million 23 MW project is expected to be commissioned in 2020.