How Uzbekistan is Building a "Green Corridor" and Implementing AI in Extraction
Economy
Uzbekistan is transitioning from a traditional extraction model to a high-tech, eco-friendly energy system of the future. Joining forces with regional neighbors, attracting tens of billions of dollars in private investment, and implementing digital twins for deposits are just parts of a grand strategy. The nation is not only diversifying resources—including civil nuclear power and "green" hydrogen—but also planning to become a key transit hub, reshaping the energy landscape of the entire Central Asian region.
Uzbekistan's energy sector has entered a phase of profound transformation focused on regional integration and decarbonization. Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamahmudov emphasized that close cooperation with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, including the construction of the Kambarata-1 HPP and the creation of a "Green Corridor" with Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia, has become a reality due to the political will of the region's leaders. A vital step was the World Bank's approval of the REMIT project, which will integrate the power grids of Central Asian nations.
Technological Leadership and the Green Transition
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power remains a key player, with an investment portfolio in Uzbekistan exceeding $15–20 billion. The company has already launched the first pilot project for "green" hydrogen and is constructing 2,000 km of power lines. The national strategy through 2030 aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels: while maintaining generation levels, total gas consumption is expected to drop by 85% by replacing inefficient steam turbines with modern combined-cycle gas turbines (8 GW already commissioned).
Digitalization of Extraction and Seismic Surveys
In the oil and gas sector, Uzbekneftegaz, in partnership with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, is conducting the largest 3D seismic survey in the country's history in Karakalpakstan. The use of digital reservoir models and the Geoplan monitoring system has reduced geological risks from 45% to 15%. Today, over 1,400 wells are under real-time digital monitoring, which has reduced well downtime by 40%.
Nuclear Energy, Renewables, and Future Challenges
Uzbekistan has prioritized diversification, including the development of nuclear energy and energy storage systems. Explosive growth in renewable energy generation (up 25-fold since 2022) is expected to reach 14 billion kWh this year. Meanwhile, according to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, Uzbekistan will maintain its status as a critical regional transit hub. Rising demand from data centers and AI systems requires the creation of a safe and clean energy base, which will be provided by nuclear and solar capacities. Currently, the country has already achieved approximately 25% of its 2030 energy goals.
Technological Leadership and the Green Transition
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power remains a key player, with an investment portfolio in Uzbekistan exceeding $15–20 billion. The company has already launched the first pilot project for "green" hydrogen and is constructing 2,000 km of power lines. The national strategy through 2030 aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels: while maintaining generation levels, total gas consumption is expected to drop by 85% by replacing inefficient steam turbines with modern combined-cycle gas turbines (8 GW already commissioned).
Digitalization of Extraction and Seismic Surveys
In the oil and gas sector, Uzbekneftegaz, in partnership with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, is conducting the largest 3D seismic survey in the country's history in Karakalpakstan. The use of digital reservoir models and the Geoplan monitoring system has reduced geological risks from 45% to 15%. Today, over 1,400 wells are under real-time digital monitoring, which has reduced well downtime by 40%.
Nuclear Energy, Renewables, and Future Challenges
Uzbekistan has prioritized diversification, including the development of nuclear energy and energy storage systems. Explosive growth in renewable energy generation (up 25-fold since 2022) is expected to reach 14 billion kWh this year. Meanwhile, according to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, Uzbekistan will maintain its status as a critical regional transit hub. Rising demand from data centers and AI systems requires the creation of a safe and clean energy base, which will be provided by nuclear and solar capacities. Currently, the country has already achieved approximately 25% of its 2030 energy goals.
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