In the Ferghana Basin in the heartland of Central Asia, a cross-border cooperation driven by energy transformation is accelerating. Faced with the dual challenges of increasing electricity demand and aging infrastructure, Uzbekistan is vigorously introducing funds and technology from Chinese energy companies. The cooperation between the two sides has entered the fast lane of specific project implementation from macro strategic communication, with the core focus on hydropower development and modernization of the power grid system.

From intention communication to project implementation

Recently, the interaction between local governments in Uzbekistan and Chinese enterprises has become increasingly frequent, and substantial breakthroughs have been made in cooperation projects. On December 26, 2025, the Governor General of Fergana Region, Hailuo Bozorov, met with a delegation led by the Chairman of Sichuan West Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. in Tashkent. The meeting delved into the implementation path of energy projects in the region, and after the meeting, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, marking that the willingness to cooperate at the local level has been transformed into institutional arrangements. It is reported that Chinese companies, with over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, emphasize that they will improve project efficiency by introducing modern technology and digital solutions.

This is not an isolated case. Previously, the neighboring Andijan region had reached a major investment agreement with Chinese company Sichuan Electric Power Transmission and Transformation Construction Co., Ltd. for a total amount of approximately $500 million. The project plans to restore the operation of a 200 MW hydropower station and systematically renovate the existing substation, directly responding to Uzbekistan's urgent need to revitalize existing energy assets and promote the modernization of the power grid. In addition, a 150 MW/300 MWh large-scale battery energy storage system invested and constructed by Chinese companies in the Fergana region is also nearing completion. The project has an investment of 140 million US dollars and is a key component of Uzbekistan's energy independence and green transformation strategy.

Ambitious Green Energy Blueprint

The enthusiasm for local cooperation is rooted in Uzbekistan's grand energy transformation strategy at the national level. Ukrainian President Mirziyoyev has designated 2025 as the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy and approved the corresponding national plan. The core goal of the country is to achieve sustainable development through clean energy while ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power supply to all industries and regions.

To this end, Uzbekistan has set an ambitious goal of significantly increasing the proportion of green energy in total installed capacity from the current 16% to 54% by 2030. To achieve this leap, we plan to attract over $150 billion in foreign investment over the next five years to add 17000 megawatts of renewable energy installed capacity. By the end of 2025 alone, the country will have a batch of power generation and infrastructure projects with a total value of nearly 11 billion US dollars put into operation or started construction, including a total installed capacity of 3500 megawatts of photovoltaic, wind and hydropower stations, as well as a large number of energy storage systems and high-voltage transmission lines. This series of measures clearly indicates that Uzbekistan's energy system is undergoing unprecedented upgrades and expansions, providing a broad stage for Chinese companies to deeply participate.

A comprehensive link beyond energy

The significance of China Uzbekistan cooperation in the energy field has gone beyond simple project construction to become an important pillar for the two countries to jointly build the the Belt and Road and implement the spirit of the China China Asia Summit. Collaboration is not limited to hardware investment, but also extends to talent cultivation and technological research and development. For example, Chinese universities, in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Technology of Uzbekistan, universities and other institutions, have established the Digital Technology Innovation and Development Center and the the Belt and Road Joint Laboratory to jointly train talents and provide intellectual support for Uzbekistan's digital economy and green development. Keywords: the Belt and Road project news, the Belt and Road news

With Uzbekistan firmly moving towards a green future, the comprehensive advantages of Chinese enterprises in terms of funding, technology, and engineering experience make them key partners for Uzbekistan to achieve energy independence and modernization goals. From Fergana to Andijan, the signing and promotion of specific projects are gradually weaving a comprehensive energy cooperation network covering power generation, energy storage, transmission, and digital management, jointly shaping a new vision for sustainable development in Central Asia.Editor/Cheng Liting