China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co., Ltd. (CET) is to construct high-voltage transmission lines and substations in Uzbekistan, according to reports from Uzbekistan’s Energy Ministry. Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov and Yu Jun, the General Manager of CET have signed an agreement, according to which
CET will increase electricity transmission in Uzbekistan. CET will realize this project in design, construction, and financing, as well as providing turnkey delivery of the transmission lines and substations.
CET provides electricity to 1.1 billion people (83% of the population) in 26 provinces of China, with specific roles in the construction and maintenance of high-voltage and low-voltage transmission lines, substations, and generating capacities. The company also conducts business operations with more than 40 countries in Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere.
Earlier this year, several of China’s and Türkiye’s major power companies won the international tender for developing Uzbekistan’s National Electric Grid JSC for the construction of high-voltage power transmission networks in Tashkent city and Sirdarya region.
Following the results of tenders, Turkiye’s Şa-ra Enerji İnşaat Ticaret ve Sanayi A.Ş will construct a 220 kV power transmission line with a length of 213 kilometers worth US$31.89 million, while China’s Xian Electric Engineering Co., Ltd. will establish a 500 kV power transmission line with a length of 72 km with a proposed cost of US$14.68 million.
Uzbekistan’s own natural gas reserves are the source for 73.8% of electricity production, followed by hydroelectricity with 21.4%. Uzbekistan will also be the first country in Central Asia to develop and produce solar energy.
Apart from the project itself, the cooperation between China and Turkiye shows once again that China’s Belt & Road Initiative is now involving other regional partners and not purely China’s SOEs.
Source : Silkroadbriefing
