Currently, one of the priority areas of transformation in the electric power industry is the development of renewable energy sources (RES). Uzbekistan has significant potential in this area, and in recent years a big step forward has been made in increasing renewable energy capacity. It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan has achieved significant results in this area in a short period of time, and by 2030 plans to implement ambitious and feasible plans to achieve the share of renewable energy sources in the total share of generation capacity up to 25%, which other countries have achieved for decades.
To implement such ambitious projects, Uzbekistan has a need for engineering organizations with an international approach to the implementation of projects, as well as for the training of qualified personnel of international level in the electric power industry and new technologies. Taking into account these facts, within the framework of the latest significant and successful state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the People's Republic of China on 23-25 January 2024, JSC “Uzenergoengineering” reached a number of agreements with its Chinese partners.
Joint venture between JSC “Uzenergoengineering” and EPPEI
JSC “Uzenergoengineering” and the China Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute (EPPEI) have agreed to create a joint venture in the field of planning, engineering and consulting in the electric power industry. The main activities of the Joint venture are as follows:
· Development of short-term and long-term plans for the development of the country's electric power industry, taking into account modern conditions, such as the integration of large renewable energy capacities. To develop effective and well-founded plans for the development of the electric power industry in Uzbekistan, modern, internationally recognized methods and practices will be used such as the use of computing systems Plexos , DigSILENT, etc.
· Engineering studies such as pre-design technical and economic studies, development of project concepts, basic and detailed design, examination and adaptation of project documentation, etc. using international approaches and standards.
· Consultations in the field of electric power industry, including technical consultations on the design, construction and operation of electric power facilities, consultations on project management, engineering consultations on the application of new technologies in the electric power industry.
· Training and retraining of personnel, including the development and implementation of programs for training and retraining of personnel in the field of electric power industry, conducting seminars, trainings and other events to improve the skills of specialists, including international experts.
International educational institution
JSC “Uzenergoengineering” and Energy China International agreed to cooperate in organizing an international educational institution in Uzbekistan in the field of electric power and new technologies, with a preliminary investment amount of $30 million.
This educational institution will train international-level specialists capable of solving complex problems and introducing new technologies into the electric power industry of Uzbekistan. To achieve this, it is planned to attract international teaching staff, equip the educational institution with the necessary modern technology and also obtain international accreditation.
About companies
JSC “Uzenergoengineering” is the largest design institute in Uzbekistan, specializing in engineering surveys, design and consultations in the field of electric power industry. The company was recently privatized and is currently undergoing a series of reforms to improve the efficiency and competence of the company. Such reforms are aimed at transforming JSC “Uzenergoengineering” into a leading engineering enterprise in Central Asia. In particular, the following transformations are being carried out:
· Creation of an effective organizational structure with international principles of management and operation of JV.
· Introduction of modern digital information systems into the management and operational activities of JV.
· Attracting additional professional specialists with international expertise and experience.
· Training employees in modern approaches, new technologies and international standards.
On the other hand, the Chinese partners of JSC “Uzenergoengineering” are the largest players in the field of engineering and electrical power in China and on the world stage. Like, EPPEI is one of the leading electric power engineering institutes in China and in the world. The Institute has more than 60 years of experience in the electrical power industry and has extensive competence in various areas, including power system planning, power plant design, and research and development of new technologies. Energy China International is a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group Corporation Limited, which is one of the largest energy companies in the world. The company has extensive experience in the construction and operation of power plants, as well as in training personnel in the field of electric power.
Conclusion
EPPEI's experience and competencies are valuable for Uzbekistan in implementing ambitious plans to transform the country's electricity sector. The joint venture with EPPEI will allow Uzbekistan to gain access to China's advanced experience and technologies in the field of electricity. This will help accelerate the pace of development of the country's electric power industry, increase its efficiency and reliability, including the introduction of large renewable energy capacities into the country's electric power system. At the same time, the joint venture will combine the experience and competencies of two leading institutions in the countries.
Also, agreement between JSC “Uzenergoengineering” and Energy China International is an important step in the development of the personnel training and educating system in Uzbekistan. It will make it possible to create a modern educational institution that will train highly qualified specialists who meet the requirements of the modern labor market and who will be able to contribute to the development of the electric power industry in Uzbekistan.