BAKU, Azerbaijan, Aug. 27
By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend:
According to Deputy Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjaev, Uzbekistan intends to resume full operation of the single energy ring in Central Asia by connecting Tajikistan and, in the future, Turkmenistan, Trend reports with reference to Podrobno.uz.
"Recently, we have activated regional integration in the field of electricity. In summer time we traditionally work with our neighbors to buy and sell electricity, but we started to cooperate all year round since last year. This happened because the energy structures of the region's countries have come to understand what, who and when is needed. In this regard, Uzbekistan benefits from its position, being in the heart of Central Asia," said the official.
According to him, export-import operations within the framework of the so-called single energy ring in Central Asia will increase from year to year.
"By 2030, we plan that these figures will at least double, and now I see no reason for this not to happen, as the work of the ring will allow all participants of the project to get great benefits," - said the interlocutor.
He said that nowadays Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are fully working within the energy ring. Now work is underway to connect Tajikistan, which is scheduled to be completed in 2021.
"Another important point is the full inclusion of the Tajik energy system in the work. We import electricity only seasonally - from May through August. As soon as the ring is fully restored, we will be able to work with Tajikistan all year round," said Khojaev.
He also added that the nearest plans include construction of a new power transmission line to the border with Tajikistan.
"Now we are studying the proposals that were submitted as part of a tender for this project. In 2020, we expect to begin construction of the line, there will be serious work to be done there, as the territory through which the line will pass is quite complex in terms of landscape, there are many hills. We are planning a test launch in spring and a full-scale launch by the end of next year," he emphasized.
As for Turkmenistan, Khojayev said that technical groups have started to study what to do to work in parallel mode.
"We see the desire of Turkmenistan, we have an official request from them to conduct such study together. I can't name the dates now, but at the moment the study is being conducted. I think it is also a question of the nearest future," concluded Sherzod Khojaev.
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