The construction of mini-hydropower plants is presented as a way to obtain “clean” energy from renewable sources, which contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change. However, it is also associated with serious environmental and social risks that could exacerbate climate change-related problems, according to environmentalists in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan aims to address its electricity deficit by building both large and small hydropower plants. According to a presidential decree issued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the number of hydropower plants in Uzbekistan is projected to increase by 66.5% by 2030. The decree also stipulates the construction of 21 large hydropower plants with a total capacity of 740 MW by 2026. In addition, 22 sites have been designated for the construction of mini-hydropower plants (up to 5 MW). Compact hydropower plants (up to 500 kW) will be built to serve rural areas.
In January 2023, ‘O’zbekgidroenergo’ identified 250 prospective sites for the construction of mini-hydropower plants (mini-HPPs) under public-private partnerships (PPPs). In 2023 alone, plans were in place to add a further 197 MW by launching 7 more additional facilities, as well as ten micro-HPPs. Furthermore, work commenced on the construction of eight large and 50 small HPPs, with a combined capacity of 438 MW.
JSC O’zbekgidroenergo is the only entity in the country dedicated to developing and implementing programs for the enhancement of the country’s hydroelectric potential. The company is wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which exercises its shareholder rights on behalf of the state.
According to information provided by O’zbekgidroenergo, 10.8% of Uzbekistan’s energy is generated by hydropower plants (HPPs). In particular, small-scale hydropower in the regions offers a convenient and efficient solution for daily energy supply. These stations can provide electricity to individual districts and mahallas (local communities), operating independently of the main grid. The cost of the energy produced is significantly lower than other sources, making hydropower a priority area for development.
In recent years, investments of $630 million have financed the construction of new HPPs with a capacity exceeding 400 megawatts, bringing the country’s total hydropower capacity to 2.2 gigawatts.
In the Tashkent region alone, there are currently 25 operating HPPs with a combined capacity of 1,330 MW, representing 60% of the country’s total hydropower capacity. Another four HPPs, with a combined capacity of 340 MW and a total cost of $880 million, are currently under construction. By 2028, 23 additional projects with a combined capacity of approximately 2.4 gigawatts and a total investment of $4.8 billion are planned.
Small-scale energy in focus
Despite the efforts, Uzbekistan still faces energy shortages. Hence, the government prioritizes the launch of small and mini-hydropower plants in regions with suitable conditions.
Small-scale hydropower (SSH) has become a crucial component of energy strategies worldwide. Its adaptability to local needs and suitability for remote rural areas with low energy consumption make it an attractive solution. Additionally, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhances energy independence.
In July 2023, a new mini-hydropower plant was launched in the Bostanly the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region. The plant is situated on one of the tributaries of the Piskom River, which flows into the Charvak Reservoir. The power plant has a capacity of 200 kW and is expected to generate up to 1.75 million kWh of energy annually. Similar mini-hydropower plants are currently being constructed on the Ugam River.
Three small HPPs are listed in O’zbekgidroenergo’s investment projects for the construction of hydropower plants on the Ugam River. The construction costs for HPP-1 amount to $4.2 million, HPP-2 to $7.3 million, and HPP-3 to $6.9 million. Construction began in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2025. The total investment will amount to approximately $20 million.
With proper planning, SSH projects can also create opportunities for empowering local communities, including groups that typically face various systemic barriers, particularly women and youth.
It is argued that hydropower is one of the cheapest forms of energy, which justifies its development. Project data shows that the installed capacity of the three Ugam HPPs will cost about $3,800 per kilowatt (kW) of capacity. However, this is more expensive than building solar power plants with the same total capacity
What is the environmental impact of building Mini-HPPs?
Globally, renewable energy is seen as a key element in achieving broader development goals such as poverty eradication and access to social services, as well as mitigating the climate crisis and preventing environmental degradation. As the cheapest technology for generating electricity from renewable energy sources (RES), hydropower remains an integral part of international efforts to combat the climate crisis and ensure the transition to clean energy.
However, environmentalists in Uzbekistan point out several issues associated with the construction of mini-hydropower plants, which can cause significant harm to mountain river ecosystems and may not yield the expected results.
Evgeny Simonov, a leading expert at the international public foundation Rivers without Borders, states that the construction of HPPs on the Piskom River violates protected natural territory, as the river is located within the Ugam-Chatkal National Park.
“The Piskom River is about 70 km long. According to the latest information, the glaciers that feed Uzbekistan’s mountain rivers are melting rapidly due to climate change. Building mini-HPPs on such mountain rivers carries the risk that the river will eventually dry up. Power generation also depends on the volume of water and the height of the fall. If the water volume decreases due to climate change, the plants will generate less electricity than originally planned,” says Simonov.
He believes that the damage to the environment caused by the construction of small HPPs will far outweigh the megawatts gained.
This view is shared by Timur Abduraupov, a zoologist and researcher at the Institute of Zoology of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, who also notes that the environmental damage caused by mini-HPP construction is not being adequately assessed.
“The construction of power plants causes enormous damage to nature, as habitats are lost and animals harmed. Unfortunately, no further analysis of the environmental damage is carried out when such structures are built. The Law “On hunting and hunting management” and Decree No. 290 of the Cabinet of Ministers stipulate a price for every plant, animal, and insect,” he says.
According to Abduraupov, this responsibility should lie with the Ministry of Ecology. “They should calculate the damages. Organizations that construct mini-hydropower plants should compensate the state for the environmental damage caused. Thus, when planning the construction of any facility, the Ministry of Ecology should provide a concrete response after conducting an examination to determine whether endemic species inhabit or grow in these areas and what impact the construction will have on these species,” he said.
Bakhtiyor Sheraliyev, a biologist and ichthyologist, says that given most mini-hydropower plants are built on mountain rivers, attention should be paid to how local aquatic organisms [organisms adapted to living in water – ed.] are considered.
“The ichthyofauna of most of our mountain rivers is unique, and the species are endemic to the region. For example, you can find such rare fish species as Triplophysa daryoae in the Fergana Valley, Triplophysa ferganaensis in the Shokhimardonsoy, Iskandaria kuschakewitschi in the Chodaksoy, Triplophysa elegans in the Dukentsoy in the Tashkent region, and Cottus spinulosus in the Ugam River,” the ichthyologist said.
In his opinion, small hydropower plants installed in the channels of these rivers and streams can hinder fish migration across the basin and affect the reproduction process of species. Before constructing mini-hydropower plants, an environmental impact assessment should be conducted to scientifically evaluate their impact on local biological species, Sheraliyev believes.
Moreover, mini-hydropower plants can affect water flow, altering its regime, speed, level, temperature, and other characteristics.
“Mini-hydropower plants divert water to power turbines, inevitably altering downstream flow. This reduction can be significant, particularly during drier periods when river levels are already low. Seasonal variations play a key role; while diversions may be minimal during periods of high flow or flooding, they can substantially diminish the flow during leaner months,” he explains.
Upstream, the flow is slowed by the impoundment, leading to siltation and changes in the riverbed. Conversely, downstream of the hydro junction, the concentrated discharge can accelerate flow, creating turbulence at the outflow point and potentially exacerbating bank erosion and affecting water quality.
Ensuring universal access to electricity remains one of the key global tasks, both from an economic standpoint and in terms of environmental protection and social development. Over 700 million people, approximately 9.5 percent of the world’s population, mostly living in rural areas, still do not have access to electricity.
Therefore, the construction of mini-hydropower plants is one way to provide energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to note that this can also carry serious environmental and social risks that can exacerbate issues related to climate change.
To minimize these risks and ensure sustainable development, it is essential to carry out thorough impact assessments, implement modern technologies, and adhere to environmental standards, as Uzbek environmentalists have noted.