Saudi Arabia-based engineering, manufacturing and construction company Pemco will initiate the construction of a 200MW gas-piston power plant in Samarkand by the end of 2025, according to Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Energy.

The new facility is anticipated to enhance the energy supply in the Samarkand region, adding to Uzbekistan's goal of maintaining a stable electricity supply to meet increasing demand. 

The announcement was made after a meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other Saudi business figures.  

Mirzamahmudov highlighted several ongoing collaborations with Saudi companies in the energy sector.  

ACWA Power has introduced Uzbekistan's inaugural large-scale thermal power plant, while a solar power plant is already operational in the Kibray district of Tashkent.  

Two large wind farms in Bukhara and the first 100MW wind power facility in Karakalpakstan have also been commissioned. 

Uzbekistan is pursuing new renewable energy projects, including wind and solar stations, and is planning the country's first large-scale battery storage system in Parkent district.  

Mirzamahmudov also highlighted plans to support the new Tashkent airport with renewable aviation fuel production. 

This initiative is facilitated by a collaboration between Saudi Arabia's Vision Invest and US-based Air Products, who have agreed to develop a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant. 

These energy initiatives are part of Uzbekistan's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources in anticipation of future needs.  

According to earlier reports from The Times of Central Asia, the nation plans to have a high-capacity nuclear power plant fully operational by 2035. 

According to Uzatom director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, the initial small modular reactor will become operational in 2029 in the Jizzakh region, with additional units to follow in the early 2030s.