17 January 2022
With ambitions to scale-up deployment of renewable energy technologies to 12GW by 2030, along with plans for 2.4GW of nuclear capacity, Uzbekistan is on a mission towards a low-carbon energy mix. Power system planners are looking to secure and sustain investment in new energy generation assets by aligning these targets with grid management needs.
Understanding what is connected to the electricity grid, from individual homes to industrial complexes and power plants, is essential to ensure safe and stable management of supply and demand.
UzAssystem is supporting Uzbekistan’s grid operator to create a digital model of the country’s electricity grid, which will be used to perform simulations to help assess grid conditions, the impact of new power facilities and the effect of upgrades on the grid across the whole of Uzbekistan.
The JV’s digital specialists are gathering data from multiple sources, including owners, operators, and regulators, to build the model using DIgSILENT Powerfactory. This approach is expected to significantly boost visibility, providing effective clarity on real-time conditions which will enable the grid operator to make informed decisions on the development of infrastructure. The study also lays the foundation for prioritising and sequencing grid integration investments.
Kerem Sadiklar, Uzbekistan General Manager, Assystem said: “This project is a prime example of our cutting-edge digital capabilities in practice. It also highlights the benefit of the joint venture approach – by combining local experience with international expertise we have been able to offer our client clear insight into its needs, which will drive informed and therefore cost-effective decision-making regarding future energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan.”
Any new source of electricity generation can place pressure on a country’s grid. While nuclear provides more consistent outputs, wind and solar power output varies depending on the prevailing weather conditions. This variability can be challenging to manage, especially when you lack clear visibility of your grid infrastructure.
A lack of clarity can also hinder the deployment of such technologies when it is unclear where spare grid capacity is available. Scaling up low-carbon generation capacity requires investment in a modern grid that reaches more remote areas well suited to hosting large assets such as wind and solar farms.
Beyond grid modelling services, UzAssystem is providing its engineering and digital expertise to support the development of low-carbon energy infrastructure across the country, and has also been assisting the Ministry of Energy to update its standards to International Electrotechnical Commission level.