Uzbekistan plans to export 10-15bn kWh of electricity to Europe by 2030, as announced by Deputy Energy Minister Umid Mamadaminov during the European Economy Days, as per Daryo Central Asia & Afghanistan.

The export strategy is underpinned by the country’s growing energy generation capacity and vision to leverage a "green corridor" for the transmission of renewable energy to Europe.

“We predict that by 2030, the demand for electricity in Uzbekistan will be around 120-125bn kWh. With generating capacity of approximately 135bn kWh, we will have surplus electricity available for export,” Mamadaminov stated. “Once the necessary infrastructure is in place, we will be ready to export electricity to Europe.”

The electricity will be transmitted via a dedicated "green corridor," a high-capacity cable route for renewable energy, transporting surplus electricity generated from wind and solar in Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan and then Azerbaijan to Europe.

The initiative follows a July agreement struck by Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to establish the green energy corridor.

In August, Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov highlighted that export volumes will depend on the cable's capacity and partner agreements, adding that Uzbekistan is self-sufficient and capable of supplying 2 to 5 gigawatts (GW) of energy to Europe.

A critical component of the project is the involvement of Italian company CESI, which is conducting a feasibility study to assess technical and economic viability.

“CESI has already begun its work, and the feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of 2025,” Mamadaminov said. 

The transmission cable, stretching 2,500 kilometres (1,553 miles), will be a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line, with an estimated cost exceeding $2bn, pending the outcome of the study.

The pricing of the exported electricity will be market-driven.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reinforced the regional commitment to green energy during his speech at the United Nations Climate Conference, or COP29, which is ongoing in Baku.

“We will soon sign a multilateral agreement to begin exporting green energy to Europe, marking a significant step in Uzbekistan's regional climate strategy,” Mirziyoyev said.

Mamadaminov outlined the need for infrastructure improvements to support Uzbekistan’s expanding electricity generation, stating, “We have made significant progress in power generation, but storage and transportation infrastructure is key. We need at least 5,000 kilometres of transmission lines, including 500 kV and 200 kV high-voltage lines, along with substations.”

Additionally, Uzbekistan plans to enhance its national grid by installing over 2,000 MW of energy storage systems, totalling more than 400 MWh, and aims to achieve 4,000 MW of baseload capacity by 2026 to manage fluctuations in solar and wind energy.

A key part of its energy strategy is creating a unified platform for electricity transactions to stabilise the national system, while also collaborating with neighbouring Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which have hydropower resources that complement Uzbekistan's renewable generation.