Possible barriers to the deployment of solar energy in Uzbekistan

This section explores barriers that could hamper the deployment of solar energy technologies in Uzbekistan by taking a look at its current solar policy. The section discusses Uzbekistan’s situation from the following perspectives, drawing on the approaches developed by Solar Energy: Mapping the Road Ahead (IEA and ISA, 2019):

  • solar resource information and workforce
  • policy, regulatory and market frameworks
  • non-economic barriers
  • financing and economic factors
  • integrating solar projects into the Uzbek energy system and infrastructure.

Solar resource information and workforce

Adequate resource information could help to determine the appropriate solar technologies based on the local conditions. Moreover, a high-quality workforce could promote growth in the renewable energy sector. Internationally harmonised standards could make timely project development possible.

Possible barriers to the deployment of solar energy in Uzbekistan: Solar resource information and workforce

Possible barriers

Instances

Inadequate resource information

  • Lack of good quality solar resource information needed to develop a detailed solar strategy

Lack of information on technology readiness and applicability

  • Lack of knowledge about the availability and performance of renewable technologies

Shortage of qualified workforce

  • Shortage of local experts in solar technologies for all sectors, which may limit the choice of projects and numbers of installations that can be developed
  • High cost of operations and maintenance due to lack of local qualified personnel

Information asymmetry/shortage

  • Technologies and components are not standardised, leading to perceived risks for deployment/performance
  • Lack of knowledge about technological options available internationally

Notes: This table shows the possible barriers with instances against solar energy technology deployment illustrated in IEA and ISA (2019); not all instances are necessarily applicable to the context of Uzbekistan. Source: Adapted from IEA and ISA (2019), Solar Energy: Mapping the Road Ahead.


As regards solar resource information, publicly available resource maps have been used to determine the potential of solar power generation in specific areas. Due to the lack of accuracy in the data, the potential locations of the solar stations were selected based on such criteria as existing infrastructure and distance to transmission lines, while the accuracy of the selection has been checked using accurate measurements of the solar energy flux (pyranometers and pyrheliometers certified by the World Meteorological Organization and the International Organization for Standardization) directly on site throughout the year. In addition to the measurement of solar radiation, other meteorological parameters such as satellite data and weather forecast serve as the initial data for planning solar generation.

The Presidential Decree on Measures for the Development of Renewable and Hydrogen Energy, approved in April 2021, calls for the establishment of a the National Renewable Energy Research Institute under the Ministry of Energy. One of its main objectives is to train a highly qualified workforce in the fields of renewable and hydrogen energy. Moreover, to create an educational base for renewable energy, a new Master of Science curriculum on renewable energy sources and sustainable environment will be developed, compatible with European standards, in six Uzbek universities in the framework of the RENES project (RENES, 2020).

In terms of technology standardisation, the State Committee for Standardization, the Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Energy are carrying out a basic study on the renewable energy standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission and the International Organization for Standardization. They have been drafting a list of standards required for adaptation.


Policy, regulatory and market frameworks

Although the cost of renewable energy has been rapidly decreasing over the decades, government policy and regulations still play a critical role in attracting private investment and ensuring an appropriate energy market.

Possible barriers to the deployment of solar energy in Uzbekistan: Policy, regulatory and market frameworks

Possible barriers

Instances

Policy and regulatory framework

  • “Stop-and-go” policy approaches and retroactive changes have undermined investors’ confidence
  • Insufficient transparency or excessive complexity of policies and legislations
  • Strong requirement for “local” procurement

Land availability/building access for installation

  • Statutory restrictions apply to site; site has other economic/landscape value
  • Land may have historic value
  • Lack of clarity for rights of roof access

Market barriers

  • Energy pricing that is not cost-reflective
  • Subsidies for fossil fuels
  • Externalities and the failure of costing methods to include social and environmental costs

Electricity market design

  • Ensuring recovery of investment for solar and non-zero marginal cost facilities
  • Curtailment may result from lack of space in the market
  • Large shares of variable renewable energy, e.g. from solar PV, may require power market modification

Notes: This table shows the possible barriers with instances against solar energy technology deployment illustrated in IEA and ISA (2019); not all instances are necessarily applicable to the context of Uzbekistan. Source: Adapted from IEA and ISA (2019), Solar Energy: Mapping the Road Ahead.


As discussed above, the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and the Law on PPP serve as a regulatory framework to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy projects, including financial incentives for the use of renewable energy sources. The Regulation for Connecting Businesses provides detailed technical aspects for integrating renewable energy facilities into the electricity system, but the permitting procedure is still unclear.

In terms of land availability, while no specific difficulties are reported for obtaining plots for the construction of large-scale solar farms, citizens who want to obtain plots to build small-scale solar power generators do seem to be encountering difficulties.

The Interdepartmental Tariff Commission under the Cabinet of Ministers, established in 2018 and whose working body is led by the Ministry of Finance, determines electricity tariffs. Electricity tariffs in Uzbekistan have been on an upward trend, reaching approximately 0.028 USD/kWh for households and 0.043 USD/kWh for others (IEA, 2020a). However, they are still lower than in neighbouring countries and lower in an international comparison, remaining inadequate to recover operation and maintenance costs and increasing financing for new projects. In this regard, the Interdepartmental Tariff Commission is working on setting electricity tariffs based on reasonable expenses for its production, transmission, distribution and sales, considering the reimbursement of capital costs and maintaining 10‑20% profitability. Moreover, in line with the Concept Note for ensuring electricity supply in Uzbekistan in 2020‑2030, differentiated tariffs for electricity for residential consumers based on time of day, working days and holidays will begin in 2022, while feed-in-tariffs for purchasing surplus electricity generated by own renewable sources will begin in 2023.

As regards the electricity market, Uzbekistan is transitioning to a competitive wholesale electricity market to be fully implemented in 2023, which would oblige all power generators to participate in the market and allow new market participants transparent and non-discriminatory access to the electricity network. To this end, the following measures will be undertaken:

  • approve the models of: wholesale market (monthly contracts, day-ahead trade, intraday trade) and interim stages; balancing market; market operating rules; and market participant licensing rules (by 2022)
  • establish an electricity market regulator – an independent body responsible for regulating, licensing and controlling functions in the power and natural gas markets (originally planned to be undertaken by 2021).

To promote the use of solar heat in the building sector, all new and refurbished buildings, except for individual houses, are required to be equipped with certified solar water heating installations for hot water supply, in accordance with the Decree on the Program for the Development of the Heat Supply System for the period 2018-2022. All state institutions also are set to be switched from the centralised hot water supply to solar water heating plants from 2022. Moreover, with a view to stimulating the use of solar heat in individual houses, in 2020, the government started to provide subsidies to individuals who purchase solar water heaters. The subsidies cover 30% of their upfront cost. In addition, the government approved a targeted programme for the installation of water heaters with a capacity of about 200 litres to cover 2-2.5% of households, as well as for the installation of 150 000 rooftop solar PV with a capacity of 2‑3 kW by 2025. 


Non-economic barriers

A range of non-economic barriers, including administrative and environmental issues, could prevent the deployment of a renewable technology. These possible barriers are expected to evolve depending on the level of the maturity and deployment of renewable technologies, therefore addressing the non-economic barriers will gradually become important.

Possible barriers to the deployment of solar energy in Uzbekistan: Non-economic barriers

Possible barriers

Instances

Institutional and administrative

  • Lack of strong, dedicated institutions; lack of clear responsibilities; and lack of co-ordination among agencies
  • Slow, opaque permitting procedures, often due to insufficient capacity to manage applications in a timely fashion
  • Developers lack competence in preparing applications
  • Difficulty in getting projects connected to the grid

Public acceptance

  • Local opposition prevents the construction of new grid connections, linked to experience with planning regulations and public acceptance of renewable technologies

Environmental

  • High restrictions on soil artificialisation or visual impacts

Notes: This table shows the possible barriers with instances against solar energy technology deployment illustrated in IEA and ISA (2019); not all instances are necessarily applicable to the context of Uzbekistan. Source: Adapted from IEA and ISA (2019), Solar Energy: Mapping the Road Ahead.


Financing and economic factors

Access to financing for solar energy technologies is a precondition for their deployment. Technological viability depends on financing costs due to the high upfront capital costs involved, the long-term economic lifetimes and the impact of the weighted average cost of capital.

Possible barriers to the deployment of solar energy in Uzbekistan: Financing and economic factors

Possible barriers

Instances

Investment costs and economics

  • Solar technology’s levelised cost of electricity may be uncompetitive relative to other sources of power
  • The levelised cost of solar thermal heat may be uncompetitive relative to other sources of heat
  • Solar technologies can compete on a levelised cost basis, but upfront capital investment costs are too high

Investor confidence and perceived risk

  • Technology risks are considered too high by investors
  • Lack of previous investment experience in target countries makes commitments too risky
  • Instability in the policy and/or regulatory framework
  • Mismatch of currencies for revenue and repayment

Availability of financing

  • Project promoter or developer unable to provide equity for project. Investment banks may be unwilling to offer project financing
  • In the buildings sector, those who pay for energy services may not take the decisions on new supply-side investments

Notes: This table shows the possible barriers with instances against solar energy technology deployment illustrated in IEA and ISA (2019); not all instances are necessarily applicable to the context of Uzbekistan. Source: Adapted from IEA and ISA (2019), Solar Energy: Mapping the Road Ahead.

As was described earlier, the Uzbek government, with financial and technical assistance from international financial institutions, has implemented competitive bidding processes to attract private sector investment in large-scale solar power projects since the enactment of the Law on PPP in 2019. Looking at one of the latest bidding projects, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, known as Masdar, was awarded a 220 MW solar PV project in the Samarkand region to supply electricity through the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan JSC (NEGU) for 25 years at 17.91 USD/MWh (IFC, 2021). This is already lower than the global average auction prices for solar PV.

In line with the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources Business, entities and individuals who install renewable energy facilities are eligible for the following benefits and incentives, including tax incentives:

  • Manufacturers of renewable energy facilities are granted the right to create local networks and conclude agreements with legal entities and individuals for the sale of energy.
  • Renewable energy generators are exempted from property tax for these installations and from land tax on the sites occupied by these installations (more than 0.1 MW) for ten years from the date of their commissioning. They are also granted the right to create local networks and conclude agreements with legal entities and individuals for the sale of energy.
  • Individuals are exempted from property tax on property owned by persons using renewable energy facilities in residential premises with complete disconnection from the existing energy networks for three years from the date of using the facilities. 

Integrating solar projects into the Uzbek energy system

Different levels of variable renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, require an evolving approach to providing power system flexibility, which is defined as the ability of a power system to reliably and cost effectively manage the variability and uncertainty of demand and supply across all relevant timescales, from ensuring instantaneous stability of the power system to supporting long-term security of supply (IEA, 2019b). Sufficient grid infrastructure and its appropriate operation could help maximise the development of solar energy capacity and encourage the development of solar projects.

Possible barriers to the deployment of solar energy in Uzbekistan: Energy infrastructure

Possible barriers

Instances

Infrastructure obstacles

  • Insufficient grid capacity; delayed arrival and late connection of new projects to grid

Grid connection constraints

  • Transmission system operator may lack capacity to enable grid connection (or have no interest)
  • Point of connection may be disputed among developers or with the transmission owner
  • Long distance between potential site and grid node can be a barrier due to costs or existing rights-of-way

Curtailment and other operational constraints

  • Impact on voltage, frequency and power quality and system stability

Mismatch with solar availability

  • Differences between annual solar availability and the load curve may be significant

Solar thermal for district heating

  • Change in operation due to solar resource variability
  • Inadaptability of network temperature levels for efficient solar production
  • Strong competition from natural gas networks, leading to suboptimal results

Notes: This table shows the possible barriers with instances against solar energy technology deployment illustrated in IEA and ISA (2019); not all instances are necessarily applicable to the context of Uzbekistan. Source: Adapted from IEA and ISA (2019), Solar Energy: Mapping the Road Ahead.

Currently, the domestic electricity network in Uzbekistan consists of more than 9 700 km of transmission lines (220-500 kV) and more than 250 000 km of distribution lines (0.4-110 kV) owned by NEGU and the Regional Electric Power Networks JSC, respectively (Figure 9). With a view to ensuring further power supply stability and allowing new generation assets to connect to the network, more than 700 km of the transmission lines in the north‑western region of Uzbekistan (Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Navoi region) are expected to be developed by 2025 in line with the Concept Note for ensuring electricity supply in Uzbekistan in 2020-2030, which could also help take advantage of an enormous potential of solar and wind energy in the region. Moreover, to help NEGU modernise obsolete transmission/distribution lines and substations, the World Bank approved the Electricity Sector Transformation and Resilient Transmission Project in June 2021, which includes the rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of 22 existing high-voltage substations and the construction of a 500 kV transmission substation and associated transmission lines (World Bank, 2021).

More than 260 km of interconnection lines are planned to be constructed by 2025 between Uzbekistan and its neighbouring countries Afghanistan and Tajikistan, to exploit the potential electricity trade and interoperation. With regard to the distribution lines, more than 18 000 km will be modernised or constructed by 2025.

Main electricity network in Uzbekistan

Main Electricity Network In Uzbekistan

Notes: This map is without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Source: Based on USAID (2015), Central Asia Electric Grid.

The National Dispatch Centre under NEGU is in charge of dispatching all power plants in accordance with the Rules for the Production, Transmission and Distribution of Electrical Energy approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. Both NEGU and territorial JSCs under the Regional Electric Power Networks JSC are responsible for electricity transmission and distribution, respectively. The TPPs and some HPPs with reservoirs provide flexibility to the power system, and are dispatched depending on electricity demand.

Business entities such as independent power producers are guaranteed connection to the energy system, including electricity and thermal, and contract with NEGU to supply energy produced from renewable energy sources; the cost of connecting to the energy system, including grid enhancement, is mainly borne by the entities. The technical procedure of the grid connection, including non-discriminatory access to the system for the business entities, is defined by the Regulation for Connecting Businesses that Produce Electricity, Including from Renewable Energy Sources, to the Unified Electric Power System, approved in July 2019.