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Efficiency of Uzbekistan power supply increased via EBRD financing
To improve the energy efficiency of power generation and support the commercialisation of the power sector in Uzbekistan, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a US$ 27.8 million (ECU 24.7 million) loan to the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
"The EBRD's loan will accelerate the development of a competitive and efficient power sector and support Uzbekistan's move towards a market economy," said Jacques de Larosière, President of the EBRD, at the signing of the agreement in London today. "The 15-year financing facility will improve efficiency through the use of new technology and will accelerate the policy reform of promoting the development of a commercially managed power sector."
Representing the Republic of Uzbekistan at the signing, Prime Minister Utkur Sultanov commented: "This loan from the EBRD is the first one to the power sector in Uzbekistan. The project will support not only the commercialisation of the sector, but will be essential in assisting the activities of the private sector in our country."
The EBRD's loan will be used to introduce state-of-the-art technology in two turbine units of the Syrdarinskaya power station, including engineering and project management services. The project will also have environmental benefits by reducing emission pollutants.
A technical cooperation programme will be initiated for a tariff study, and a modern accounting and management information system will be established to introduce more efficient operations.
Uzbekistan has a total installed generation capacity of 11,283 MW. The country is the largest electricity producer among the Central Asian republics and a net exporter of electricity. The Syrdarinskaya power station is located about 100 km south of Tashkent.
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