Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Sept. 9 / Trend D. Azizov /
The Export-Import Bank of China will deliver a loan worth $165.6 million to Uzbekistan for the modernisation of the Angren thermal power plant in the Tashkent region, a source in government circles told Trend on Monday.
According to the source, an agreement was signed between the Chinese Export-Import Bank and the Industrial and Construction Bank of Uzbekistan (Uzpromstroybank) during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Tashkent on Monday.
The funds are delivered over a period of 20 years, including a five-year grace period.
China's Harbin Power Engineering Company Ltd and Uzbekenergo State Joint-Stock Company signed a contract for the modernisation of the Angren thermal power plant in the Tashkent region in September 2012.
According to the contract, the Chinese company will build a new energy bloc with a capacity of 150 MW for burning high-ash coal. The bloc is planned to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2016.
The project worth $242.6 million is financed through the Export-Import Bank of China's loans and Uzbekenrgo's funds worth $75.1 million.
The installed capacity of eight energy blocs is 484 MW. The first unit was commissioned in 1957, the eighth in 1968. It provides major industrial facilities and population of Tashkent region with electricity.
It is planned that coal burning will increase from 20 per cent to 45 per cent as a result of the modernisation.
The Angren thermal power station is one of two power stations in Uzbekistan, partially working on coal in winter during the heating season.
