By: Utilities Middle east

Saudi Arabia-based engineering, manufacturing and construction company Pemco is set to begin construction of a 200MW gas-piston power plant in Samarkand by the end of 2025, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, has announced, according to a news report by GlobalData.

The new facility is expected to strengthen the energy supply in the Samarkand region, supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to maintain a stable electricity network amid growing demand.

The announcement followed a meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Saudi business representatives. Mirzamahmudov also emphasised ongoing partnerships with Saudi firms in the energy sector.

GlobalPower further noted that ACWA Power has previously launched Uzbekistan’s first large-scale thermal power plant, while a solar facility in Tashkent’s Kibray district is already operational. Two major wind farms in Bukhara and the nation’s first 100MW wind power plant in Karakalpakstan have also been commissioned.

Uzbekistan continues to advance renewable energy projects, including new wind and solar plants, and plans to develop its first large-scale battery storage system in Parkent district.

Mirzamahmudov highlighted plans to support the new Tashkent airport through the production of renewable aviation fuel, in a project led by Saudi Arabia’s Vision Invest and US-based Air Products to establish a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant.

These initiatives form part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources. According to reports in The Times of Central Asia, the country also aims to have a high-capacity nuclear power plant fully operational by 2035. The initial small modular reactor is expected to begin operations in 2029 in the Jizzakh region, with additional units planned for the early 2030s, according to Uzatom director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev.