Uzbekistan Turns to Solar Power Amid Gas Shortages

Uzbekistan is reevaluating its energy strategy to reduce reliance on natural gas for electricity generation. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev, during an open dialogue in Khorezm region, stated that if he were Energy Minister, he would prioritize solar energy over gas consumption.

Khojayev's comments followed concerns raised by Alisher Dushanov, deputy governor of Khorezm, about the operating conditions of a 174 MW gas-engine power plant operated by Odas Enerji CA. The plant generated UZS 168 billion worth of electricity in January, June 2026, but due to reduced orders from the National Dispatch Center, it's only been operating at 50-60% capacity.

Dushanov attributed the lower orders to a sharp increase in solar power generation this year. Khojayev instructed officials to include the issue of purchasing electricity from Odas Enerji CA in the meeting protocol so that the company's output could be purchased when needed.