UzAssystem drives digital revolution in Uzbekistan’s electricity grid
With ambitions to scale-up deployment of renewable energy technologies to 12GW by 2030, along with plans for 2.4GW of nuclear capacity, Uzbekistan is on a mission towards a low-carbon energy mix. Power system planners are looking to secure and sustain investment in new energy generation assets by aligning these targets with grid management needs.
Understanding what is connected to the electricity grid, from individual homes to industrial complexes and power plants, is essential to ensure safe and stable management of supply and demand.
UzAssystem is supporting Uzbekistan’s grid operator to create a digital model of the country’s electricity grid, which will be used to perform simulations to help assess grid conditions, the impact of new power facilities and the effect of upgrades on the grid across the whole of Uzbekistan.
The JV’s digital specialists are gathering data from multiple sources, including owners, operators, and regulators, to build the model using DIgSILENT Powerfactory. This approach is expected to significantly boost visibility, providing effective clarity on real-time conditions which will enable the grid operator to make informed decisions on the development of infrastructure. The study also lays the foundation for prioritising and sequencing grid integration investments.
Kerem Sadiklar, Uzbekistan General Manager, Assystem said: “This project is a prime example of our cutting-edge digital capabilities in practice. It also highlights the benefit of the joint venture approach – by combining local experience with international expertise we have been able to offer our client clear insight into its needs, which will drive informed and therefore cost-effective decision-making regarding future energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan.”
Any new source of electricity generation can place pressure on a country’s grid. While nuclear provides more consistent outputs, wind and solar power output varies depending on the prevailing weather conditions. This variability can be challenging to manage, especially when you lack clear visibility of your grid infrastructure.
A lack of clarity can also hinder the deployment of such technologies when it is unclear where spare grid capacity is available. Scaling up low-carbon generation capacity requires investment in a modern grid that reaches more remote areas well suited to hosting large assets such as wind and solar farms.
Beyond grid modelling services, UzAssystem is providing its engineering and digital expertise to support the development of low-carbon energy infrastructure across the country, and has also been assisting the Ministry of Energy to update its standards to International Electrotechnical Commission level.
UzAssystem partners Tashkent State Technical University to develop new engineering talent
With the academic year well underway, UzAssystem is delighted to be working with Tashkent State Technical University in an academic partnership which will support the development of engineering talent in Uzbekistan.
As part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations, a dedicated masterclass for university students in advanced grid simulations was initiated in Autumn 2021. The short course teaches participants how to use PowerFactory by DIGSILENT to simulate transmission and distribution-level electricity systems, which will be vital for managing Uzbekistan’s increasingly technology diverse power grid.
The partnership has also seen the development of a secondment programme for university lecturers at Assystem Group’s French headquarters, and an internship programme for students UzAssystem’s headquarters in Tashkent, with further plans to involve academic staff in UzAssystem’s research and development projects as part of a knowledge exchange.
Twice a year UzAssystem will welcome five interns for up to three months at a time. The interns will benefit from practical exposure to the JV’s wide variety of energy transition projects. UzAssystem is a joint venture of Assystem and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Energy. It is empowering the energy transition in Uzbekistan by supporting the development of a modern energy system featuring low-carbon technologies.
Kerem Sadiklar, General Manager, UzAssystem said: We are proud to be supporting the next generation of engineers in Uzbekistan through this partnership. By equipping learners with the knowledge and capability to manage Uzbekistan’s grid, and providing valuable learning experiences for staff and students alike, our partnership with the Tashkent State Technical University takes a holistic approach to developing talent which will help to ensure Uzbekistan has the skilled workforce needed to drive the energy transition.”
UzAssystem empowers Uzbekistan’s energy transition
Since the inception of the joint venture in 2019, UzAssystem has reached a significant milestone, with 50 contracts awarded. The engineering JV, which was formed to serve the Uzbekistan’s low carbon energy strategy, is involved in a variety of energy transition projects in the Republic.
With ambitious targets of 7GW solar and 5GW wind power capacity by 2030, and a plan to modernise its energy system, Uzbekistan’s energy transition is truly underway. UzAssystem is providing its engineering and digital expertise to support the development of renewable energy infrastructure across the country, including 200MW of solar power and over 2.5 GW of wind power in the Novoiy and Bukhara regions.
These projects are being supported via a range of services including geotechnical, topography and hydrology studies, grid impact assessments, and substation and over head line designs.
Efficient and modern electricity systems featuring variable renewable generation also need a well-managed grid, which is why UzAssystem is supporting the National Grid of Uzbekistan to model its grid system using PowerFactory by DIgSILENT. The JV is also assisting the Ministry of Energy to update its standards to International Electrotechnical Commission level.
Kerem Sadiklar, General Manager, UzAssystem said: “Uzbekistan is demonstrating genuine leadership in the global energy transition. Its Ministry of Energy has been tasked with delivering on ambitious renewable energy goals and working towards a modern, decarbonised grid. This comes with a number of challenges, but with UzAssystem’s support it is taking important steps towards a cleaner energy mix to contribute to addressing climate change.”