Uzbekistan expands electricity exports to Tajikistan

Uzbekistan has increased up electricity exports to Tajikistan as part of wider regional efforts to stabilise energy supplies during periods of seasonal shortage and reduced water availability.

The move reflects Uzbekistan’s transition into a net electricity exporter and its growing role in Central Asia’s interconnected power system.

According to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Uzbekistan is currently supplying up to 2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per day to Tajikistan.

Officials say volumes may increase further as Uzbekistan expands its generation capacity and transmission infrastructure.

Uzbek Energy Minister Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov confirmed that Uzbekistan became a net exporter of electricity in 2025, reversing years of import dependence.

The country plans to supply up to 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to neighbouring states, primarily Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, to support irrigation needs and reduce seasonal energy deficits.

National statistics show that over the first ten months of the year, Uzbekistan’s electricity exports rose by more than 50%, exceeding $129.7 million, while imports fell by nearly 14%.

The positive trade balance in electricity reached $41.1 million, underscoring the scale of the shift.

The exports are coordinated within regional water-and-energy management frameworks, aimed at preventing power shortages while ensuring sustainable use of shared water resources.

The increased imports come as Tajikistan continues to face electricity shortages, particularly during winter.

President Emomali Rahmon told parliament that the deficit is driven by population growth, industrial expansion and reduced water inflows into the Nurek reservoir.

He pledged that electricity rationing would be phased out by September 2027, citing major infrastructure projects now under way.

These include the construction of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 500 megawatts, due to be commissioned by August 2026, and the launch of the third turbine at the Rogun hydropower plant in 2027.

Over the past decade, Tajikistan has increased electricity production by 7 billion kilowatt-hours, or 40 percent, while investing 60 billion somoni in the energy sector.

Despite this progress, imports remain essential during peak demand periods.

Energy cooperation among Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has intensified as climate pressures reduce water availability across the region.

As Central Asia adapts to growing demand and climate-related constraints, electricity trade is increasingly seen as a key tool for balancing national needs with regional resilience.

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