QAZAQ GREEN. The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved today a $100 million concessional credit to support Uzbekistan’s efforts to enhance integration of renewable energy into its electricity distribution networks and improve supply reliability in priority regions. Uzbekistan’s Regional Electric Power Networks (REPN) will provide $50 million in co-financing. This marks the World Bank’s first-ever Program-for-Results (PforR) financing in the country..

The project aims to support the integration of renewable energy sources into Uzbekistan’s aging distribution infrastructure, which is currently plagued by inefficiencies and frequent power outages. As of 2024, technical losses in the power distribution system were estimated at 13%, largely due to equipment that has exceeded its expected service life—more than half of the infrastructure has been in use for over 30 years.

With plans to deploy 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, Uzbekistan urgently needs to upgrade its power networks to accommodate new green generation and ensure long-term energy security. The project is part of a broader $3 billion national program to modernize and expand electricity infrastructure through the end of the decade.

“The World Bank’s financing will help Uzbekistan upgrade its electricity distribution systems and support the government’s clean energy transition,” said Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia. “We invite other development partners and private investors to join us in supporting REPN’s vital work.”

Over the next five years, REPN will implement key infrastructure improvements across priority regions such as the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya, including:

·        Construction and modernization of 6,000 kilometers of low-voltage distribution lines;

·        Replacement and installation of 1,200 transformers with a combined capacity of 250 megavolt-amperes (MVA);

·        Deployment of 150,000 smart electricity meters to help reduce commercial losses;

·        Installation of 4,000 data concentrators to enable future digital automation of the network.

In addition to physical upgrades, the project will strengthen REPN’s financial sustainability and operational capacity by:

·        Developing new planning methodologies and streamlined procedures for connecting distributed renewable energy sources;

·        Enhancing financial performance through better revenue planning and management;

·        Modernizing corporate systems with a focus on governance, accounting, and financial reporting.

By 2029, the program is expected to deliver tangible outcomes:

·        90% customer satisfaction with REPN’s services;

·        Integration of up to 50 megawatts of renewable energy from SMEs and households;

·        Annual greenhouse gas emissions reduction of up to 450,000 tons of CO₂;

·        An increase in women’s representation in technical and managerial roles at REPN from 9% in 2025 to 14%.

This ambitious effort reflects Uzbekistan’s growing commitment to sustainable energy and modernized infrastructure, aligning with global climate goals and green development priorities.