Regional Power Central Asia (PCA) program
The problem:
Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, faces significant challenges in transitioning to clean energy and achieving renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency targets. Despite the region's vast potential for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, several barriers impede the development and integration of these resources into the power grid. These barriers include outdated grid infrastructure, lack of flexibility in the power system, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and limited access to investment and technology. Additionally, there is a need to improve competitive procurement processes, such as auctions for renewable energy, and to develop policies and regulations that facilitate the integration of RE sources and energy storage into the existing power system. The power grids in the region also require significant upgrades to enhance their flexibility and reliability, ensuring they can accommodate the variable nature of renewable energy sources. Addressing these issues is critical for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and move towards a more sustainable energy future.
The solution:
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the regional Power Central Asia (PCA) program, with Tetra Tech as the implementing partner. InfoCapital Group LLC (ICG) was engaged under this program to provide specialized regulatory and engineering support to facilitate the development and integration of renewable energy (RE) and energy storage solutions in Uzbekistan.
Activity 1: Preparation of Renewable Energy (RE) Investment Guide
ICG began by thoroughly reviewing the existing barriers to RE investments in Uzbekistan. Drawing from international best practices and local experiences, ICG developed a comprehensive RE Investor’s Guide aimed at encouraging both international and local developers to invest in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector. The guide provided step-by-step instructions for investors, including information on government support, procurement rules, and the main regulations governing RE projects. It also identified technical, regulatory, and economic factors crucial for investment decisions, highlighted the country’s progress in creating a favorable investment climate, and offered recommendations for overcoming existing barriers.
Activity 2: Update of Technical Regulations, Rules, and Standards
To ensure that the power grid could effectively integrate renewable energy sources, ICG contributed to updating the Grid Code and adapting international energy standards, rules, and regulations to the local context. These updates were crucial for aligning Uzbekistan's technical regulations with global best practices, thus enabling smoother integration of RE into the grid.
Activity 3: Grid Interconnection Studies
ICG played a key role in conducting grid interconnection studies for renewable energy (RE) and RE + Energy Storage System (ESS) plants. These studies assessed the feasibility and requirements for connecting RE projects to the grid, ensuring that they could be integrated efficiently and with minimal disruption to the existing power infrastructure.
Activity 4: Wind and Solar Measurement Campaign
ICG also led the implementation of a wind and solar measurement campaign to assess the potential for RE development in Uzbekistan. This involved preparing and executing a comprehensive measurement campaign to gather data on wind and solar resources, which is essential for planning and optimizing RE projects.
Activity 5: Gas Infrastructure Modeling and Analysis
Recognizing the need for flexible power generation, ICG conducted gas infrastructure modeling and analysis to support the integration of flexible gas power generation with renewable energy sources. This work was critical for ensuring that the power system could adapt to the variable output of renewable energy while maintaining reliability and stability.
Through these activities, ICG provided essential support to Uzbekistan’s transition to clean energy, contributing to the development of a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient power system in the region.
Start date:
08/2022
Services:
Client:
Tetra Tech ES, Inc.
