Hydropower production in Uzbekistan decreased by 20 percent

It has been reported that electricity production at hydroelectric power plants in Uzbekistan has significantly decreased. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to official data from the “Uzbekgidroenergo” company, the volume of electricity production decreased by 20.7 percent during 2025. This was reported by Podrobno.uz.

The company stated that water resources decreased by 33 percent in 2025. Nevertheless, due to effective management and a responsible approach, energy production efficiency increased by 15 percent.

“Uzbekgidroenergo” explained this situation as achieving maximum efficiency despite the reduction in water. According to the results of 2025, electricity produced at hydroelectric power plants amounted to 6.5 billion kilowatt-hours.

For comparison, in 2024 this figure was 8.2 billion kilowatt-hours. Earlier, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzakhmudov emphasized in his speech at the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis that water flow decreased by 35 percent throughout the year.

According to the minister, the total production of new small and micro hydroelectric power plants amounted to only 140 million kilowatt-hours, which is insufficient for the country's energy system. At the same time, a total of 1.242 billion dollars in investments have been attracted in the hydropower sector.

Of these funds, 43 percent consist of foreign investments, indicating a high level of international cooperation. Within the framework of the projects, 85 facilities have been commissioned.

Among them, 55 pressure hydroelectric power plants, 16 non-pressure hydroelectric power plants, 1 wind power plant, and 13 modernized facilities have been put into operation. As a result, 841 megawatts of new capacity have been created, and the capabilities of the country's energy system have expanded.

According to the press service of “Uzbekgidroenergo,” today Uzbekistan's hydropower potential has reached 2.5 gigawatts. This is 52 percent more compared to 2017.

The strategy includes not only building new capacities but also upgrading existing facilities. However, the scarcity of water resources remains a major problem.

As water shortages intensify, questions arise regarding the efficiency of constructing new plants and expanding existing ones. It is uncertain how justified increasing hydropower capacity is under ongoing water crisis conditions.