Uzbekistan is preparing to expand its electricity generation capacity by more than 40 percent over the next five years, aiming to raise output from 82 billion kilowatt-hours to over 120 billion kilowatt-hours.
The ambitious target positions the power sector as a primary driver of foreign direct investment in Central Asia, requiring significant capital for grid modernization and new generation assets.
The expansion strategy relies on a diversified energy mix, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) backing solar and battery storage projects to meet rising demand.
In parallel, the country is advancing plans for its first nuclear power plant, marking a strategic shift toward baseload capacity to support industrial growth and data center development.
This infrastructure push aligns with broader regional trends where Central Asian nations are leveraging geopolitical rivalries to attract investment from both Western and Eastern partners.
While Chinese enterprises have proposed extensive energy investments in neighboring Pakistan, Uzbekistan is actively courting European and international financial institutions to finance its transition.