UzAssystem is supporting the modernisation and digitalisation of 26 critical distribution substations in Uzbekistan to bring greater efficiency to the country’s power network.

This strategic project is the result of financing secured by Regional Electrical Power Networks (REPN) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).   UzAssystem was appointed as the Technical Advisor to the project, delivering a scope that would improve the substations’ reliability, increase their energy efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions linked to their operation.

Substations act as strategic control points in the power grid. They can redirect power, adjust voltage levels, split power into multiple routes, or isolate sections of the grid in case of malfunctions or emergencies.  The modernisation of these substations will bring immediate value to the national power network and support the management of the country’s future low-carbon energy supply.

The UzAssystem team’s work included the delivery of technical specification, evaluation and due diligence reports including BID evaluations. This led to the successful implementation of improvements across 161 Distribution Substations, meeting the projects overall carbon reduction goals.

Nicolas Dugot, General Manager of UzAssystem said: “Modernising these substations is a key part of Uzbekistan’s overall energy transition programme.  Our teams have a strong knowledge of the country’s power network and the wider regional network and so our focus has been to apply this expertise and deliver our work to the highest possible standard to establish a modern and well-functioning electrical power system in Uzbekistan.”

Alvar Gaybullayev First Deputy Chairman of the Board from the Regional Electrical Power Networks (REPN) said: “The assistance and expertise of the UzAssystem team was instrumental in the successful completion of this project.   The professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by UzAssystem has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for the high level of service that was delivered.”

Since 2021 UzAssystem and Tashkent State Technical University (TSTU) have worked together to deliver technical training in the field of grid modelling, now these students are applying their knowledge and working on real energy transition projects.

Starting in September 2022, UzAssystem has sponsored a DIgSILENT Grid Simulation Master Class at TSTU, a practical module delivering applied training in programmes used to model electrical grids. To enable this to take place, UzAssystem invested in a new classroom for the teaching that included computers, desks, and DIgSILENT licenses for the students to use.

As the country embarks on a major grid modernisation programme it is vital that graduating young Uzbeks emerge from their studies ready to work.

UzAssystem, a company that is 50% owned by French nuclear engineering company Assystem, is invested in training students in the key skills required for power system management.

The content of the classroom training included the use of the DIgSILENT programme, with the objective of the Masterclass being for students to have theoretical and practical skills in the analysis of power systems.

Today, 47 students have completed the Masterclass and many students have also benefited from internships with the UzAssystem team, giving them real work experience on Uzbekistan’s grid modelling projects.

Mohirabonu Yunusova, who undertook the Masterclass in 2022 and is now working full time with UzAssystem as a junior engineer said “The partnership between UzAssystem and TSTU enables students to enhance their theoretical knowledge with technical know-how in programmes such as DIgSILENT Power Factory which is bringing more Uzbek specialists into the workforce during a time when the country needs those skills.”

UzAssystem has plans for further collaboration with TSTU and maintains a strong link by delivering presentations to students at open days and events.

Nicolas Dugot, General Manager of UzAssystem said “The generation studying in Uzbekistan today will be the ones to realise a prosperous future for the country. Their skills will be vital to achieving this and we are a committed partner to Uzbekistan in this mission.  Through strong partnerships with academia, we plan to impart our technical knowledge to prepare students to work on energy transition projects immediately, bringing value straight back into the country’s economy.”

To find more about internships for students at UzAssystem contact Rukhshona: rakbarova@uzassystem.uz

UzAssystem has been awarded a new contract to support the site characterisation studies that will enable the development of new wind farms in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara and Kungrad regions.

Uzbekistan is setting its sights on becoming a renewable leader

Uzbekistan is undergoing a rapid transformation. By 2025, experts predict that the country’s energy production will have risen by around 40%, before doubling again by 2030.
To meet this demand, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy is investing heavily in renewable energy sources across the country. By 2030, around 40% of Uzbekistan’s energy production is expected to come from renewables.

Our role in enabling renewable energy projects

ACWA Power selected UzAssystem to deliver site characterisation work for the pre-development work to enable the construction of new wind farms in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara and Kungrad regions. Combined, the wind farms will cover a total area of more than 300km².

Our teams will provide crucial pre-development work to ensure the suitability of the sites to enable construction to begin. Our expertise will cover geotechnical, geophysical, topographical, and hydrological studies of the proposed sites, examining the physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics of the terrain using ground-based surveys and tests combined with satellite and digital mapping of the project site.

UzAssystem: a trusted partner in the delivery of energy transition programmes.

This project is the latest in portfolio of projects delivered across the country by UzAssystem’s energy transition experts. Since the Assystem group arrived in Uzbekistan in 2019, it has developed a team consisting of home-grown engineering expertise combined with the support of an international network of expertise spread across 12 countries of operation.

Feza Abadanc, Operations Manager, UzAssystem said: “UzAssystem was formed in 2019 when the Assystem Group formed a joint venture with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy. Since then, our teams have grown and proven the value of their expertise in engineering, digital, and project management at the service of Uzbekistan’s energy transition. This latest project reinforces our commitment to helping Uzbekistan to become a leading producer of renewable energy by 2030.”

International engineering, digital and project management company, Assystem, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan which will see joint venture UzAssystem conduct assessments to support the planning of the country’s power system through its advanced modelling capability.

UzAssystem, a joint venture between Assystem and the Ministry of Energy, has been in operation since 2019, and is involved in a significant number of low-carbon energy projects in the Republic, including grid infrastructure, wind power and solar power. Its specialists are experts in the intricacies of electricity system development.

Under the terms of the agreement, UzAssystem will also providing advanced development opportunities for workers in the electricity sector focusing on areas such as the use of modern technologies for grid modelling, modern practices in deploying a power system with a high proportion of variable energy generation sources, and the design of energy facilities and systems according to contemporary international standards.

The joint venture was established to support Uzbekistan’s low-carbon energy transition. It is committed to helping the Republic to achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2060, in addition to its ambition to deliver 5GW of wind and 7GW of solar capacity by 2030.

Nicolas Dugot, General Manager, UzAssystem, said: “Uzbekistan needs a modern electricity system to ensure it can deploy the gigawatts of low-carbon energy generation needed to achieve its net zero goals. UzAssystem is committed to supporting the development of this system by deploying its specialist capabilities and providing advanced training to build the necessary skills-base.”

Uzbekistan is poised for a low-carbon energy revolution, and at the heart of this transformation is a collaboration between UzAssystem and ACWA Power. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy future in the country. UzAssystem is making invaluable contributions to several key ACWA Power projects across Uzbekistan, encompassing a range of critical activities, from geotechnical investigations and transmission line studies to hydrological analysis and grid impact assessments.

Unlocking the power of the wind

In the picturesque Bukhara region, UzAssystem is taking on a pivotal role in laying the foundation for ACWA Power’s plan to deploy more than a gigawatt (GW) of wind power capacity. The task involves geotechnical investigations spanning over 190 kilometres of overhead transmission lines connecting Karakul, Bash, and Dzhankeldy. This extensive project involves a comprehensive array of assessments, including electrical resistance tomography testing and meticulous laboratory analysis of water and soil.

Enabling the potential of solar energy

In the Samarkand region, UzAssystem is taking the lead in conducting an Over-Head Transmission Line (OHTL) study for two colossal 500MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farms located in Sazagan. Solar power is a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s sustainable energy strategy, and these solar farms represent a significant step toward achieving its goal of deploying 7GW of PV by 2030. The OHTL study is essential to ensure the efficient and reliable transmission of the solar-generated electricity to where it is needed most.

Driving the deployment of energy storage

UzAssystem’s involvement extends to a comprehensive set of activities in the Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent regions. The JV is conducting hydrological analysis and reporting, as well as grid impact assessment studies as part of pre-feasibility assessments for a 400MW solar PV plant and a 334MW battery energy storage system. These projects are essential in securing a stable and continuous energy supply, even during periods of low solar generation. UzAssystem’s expertise ensures that these systems will seamlessly integrate with the existing grid infrastructure, enhancing the reliability of Uzbekistan’s power supply.

Delivering low-carbon electricity

The Kungrad region is set to host an awe-inspiring 1500MW wind farm project, and UzAssystem is at the forefront of its development. The JV is conducting geotechnical, topographical, and hydrological surveys for the overhead transmission line (OHTL) route, ensuring that the transmission infrastructure is robust and resilient enough to handle the new energy generating capacity. Additionally, UzAssystem is responsible for conducting the grid impact study for the wind farm, ensuring the seamless integration of this massive renewable energy source into Uzbekistan’s power grid.

Nicolas Dugot, General Manager, UzAssystem said: “The collaboration between UzAssystem and ACWA Power in Uzbekistan stands as a resounding testament to the pursuit of a sustainable energy future in Uzbekistan. We are proud to be applying the breadth of our expertise to the numerous low-carbon projects that our esteemed client has underway.”

Uzbekistan, a nation committed to embracing sustainable energy solutions, has set ambitious targets to achieve a greener future. As part of its comprehensive energy transition program, the Uzbekistan government aims to deploy 5GW of wind energy capacity by 2030. To help realise this vision and ensure the successful integration of large-scale wind projects, UzAssystem has secured a contract to conduct a Grid Impact Study for the huge 1.5GW Kungrad Wind Farm Project being developed by ACWA Power. This endeavour marks a milestone in Uzbekistan’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

Wind Power Ambitions

Uzbekistan’s aspiration to harness wind power is a crucial component of its broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels. With the nation’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the development of onshore wind energy represents a decisive step towards mitigating carbon emissions and combating climate change.

UzAssystem’s Role in Advancing Key Energy Projects

As a joint venture between The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Assystem, UzAssystem brings together a unique blend of local expertise and international engineering prowess. The company’s appointment to conduct the grid impact study for this huge project underscores its reputation as a leading player in the energy transition space in central Asia.

Paving the Way for Integration of Renewables

The study is a vital undertaking that will examine the potential effects of integrating such a massive wind farm into Uzbekistan’s existing power infrastructure. This in-depth analysis will assess the grid’s capacity to accommodate the additional power generation, potential challenges, and necessary upgrades or modifications required for a seamless integration.

UzAssystem’s innovative approach to project management and digital engineering will be instrumental in navigating this complex study. Utilising state-of-the-art digital tools, the study will not only provide essential insights into grid stability but also present opportunities for cost-effective and efficient solutions.

Pioneering a Sustainable Future

By providing its expertise in grid infrastructure, UzAssystem is playing a vital role in shaping Uzbekistan’s sustainable energy future. The successful integration of this significant wind energy project will not only accelerate progress towards the 5GW wind energy target but also pave the way for further wind power installations in the country.

Andres Veskimeister, Engineering Manager, UzAssystem, said: “Uzbekistan’s bold mission to deploy 5GW of wind energy capacity by 2030 reflects the country’s commitment to a sustainable future. Large-scale low-carbon energy projects like this one will be pivotal in the Republic’s energy transition, and require careful planning and study to enable manageable integration into the grid – this is a project that UzAssystem’s experts are exceedingly well-equipped to undertake.”

Uzbekistan is a land of sunshine with significant levels of solar irradiance, particularly in the south, and the country plans to capitalise on its natural power through the installation of more than 7GW of solar energy capacity by 2030.

The UzAssystem team is playing a key role in this mission, having recently secured several significant contracts for solar energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

Solar Environmental Assessment Services

One major contract awarded to UzAssystem involves providing Environmental Assessment Services for two large-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects – Karaulbazar and Nishon. The combined capacity of these projects sits at 1GW, making it one of the largest prospective solar energy systems in Uzbekistan. The environmental assessment service will ensure that the projects adhere to sustainable practices and comply with environmental regulations. By harnessing solar energy on such a scale, Uzbekistan is taking a significant step towards reducing its reliance on traditional fossil fuels and embracing clean energy solutions.

Hydrological Analysis and Reporting

In another major initiative, UzAssystem has been awarded the contract for Hydrological Analysis and Reporting for three key locations – Karakul, Sazagan, and Tashkent. This project involves integrating both solar energy systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to ensure efficient energy utilisation and grid stability. Hydrological analysis is crucial to determine the feasibility of these projects, as it assesses the location, availability and sustainability of water resources in the region. By combining solar and BESS technologies, Uzbekistan aims to enhance its grid resilience and ensure a consistent power supply for its rapidly growing economy.

Grid Impact Assessment Studies

UzAssystem has also successfully secured multiple contracts to conduct Grid Impact Assessment Studies for PV plants with a total capacity of more than 2.3GW and BESS with a total capacity of 334MW. Grid impact assessments are vital for understanding how the integration of these large-scale renewable energy projects will affect the existing power infrastructure. These studies provide valuable insights into potential challenges and necessary modifications to ensure smooth grid integration. By undertaking such assessments, UzAssystem is playing a pivotal role in enabling Uzbekistan to embrace renewable energy without compromising its power grid’s stability and reliability.

Feza Abadanc, Engineering Manager, UzAssystem, said: “Our success in securing multiple solar energy and battery energy storage system contracts demonstrates our resolute, technology-neutral commitment to supporting the realisation of Uzbekistan’s sustainable energy future. We will continue to bring our innovation and expertise to the breadth of the Republic’s new low-carbon energy projects.”

Two new MOU’s signed at the Franco-Uzbek Business Forum enable further collaboration on new nuclear power and grid modernisation projects.

International engineering, digital services, and project management company Assystem – a committed player in accelerating energy transition projects around the world – has signed two new Memorandum’s of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Energy and the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan.   

Uzbekistan has a clear plan for the transformation of its energy sector with the aim of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. This energy transition involves generating 25% of power from renewable energy sources by 2026, and utilising other low-carbon energy such as nuclear power. 

More information on Assystem website