In resent time, media has reported that "Uzbekistan may build a nuclear power plant together with Russia". So, it would be interesting to give a brief overview of the energy sector of our neighbour south.

According to the latest statistical data, population of Uzbekistan is 100% supplied with electricity currently. Approximately 86 percent of the country's electricity is supplied by thermoelectric power stations and 14 percent by hydroelectric power stations. Moreover, 94% of thermal power plants use gas and 5% of them use coal. Although Uzbekistan ranks eighth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves, 80 percent of the total gas is spent on these thermal power plants. And the remaining 20 percent are exported to other countries. However, it does not bring much benefit to the country's economy. The country's low socio-economic situation does not allow to rise prices on gas and electricity in the domestic market. In a word, official Tashkent can increase its gas export through the construction of the nuclear power plant.

What is more, by building the nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan may prevent from the electricity shortage in the future. So, Uzbekistan currently generates 60,7 billion kw of energy per hour. This is a good indicator for a country with more than 30 million population. However, as stated by to foreign experts, population of Uzbekistan will consume 71,8 billion kw of electricity per hour by 2020. And this means that Uzbekistan can face shortages of electricity by 2020.

In general, Uzbekistan currently has 4% of uranium reserves in the world. There are more than 20 ore deposits in the country. The authorities of Uzbekistan came to an agreement with Russia's "Rosatom" for the development of these  oredeposits on December 29, 2017. According to media of Uzbekistan, not only Russians, but also Chinese and Japanese companies were also interested in developing of uranium in Uzbekistan. In this regard, it is interesting to note that Kazakhstan also has an opportunity to  construct nuclear power plants. Kazakhstan also held talks with Russia on the construction of a nuclear power plant recently. According to the media, "nuclear power plants will be built in cities Balkash and Kurchatov". However, later it was reported that China will purchase 25 percent of Kazatomprom's shares.

Translated by Nazerke Syundyukova

“The Qazaq Times”