The project aims to strengthen the existing power transmission system in Uzbekistan by expanding, rehabilitating, and constructing transmission lines and substations as the country is currently struggling with a weakening and climate-vulnerable grid infrastructure. To address this issue, ADB, in collaboration with FutureWater, is directing its efforts towards enhancing the climate resilience of the grid infrastructure by analyzing the impact of climate model projections in the region and developing a detailed climate risk and adaptation assessment. Insights from the CRA will be used to devise adaptation strategies and costs to promote climate financing.
With over 1,850 km of 500kV lines, 6,200 km of 220kV lines and 15,300 km of 110kV lines, the power transmission system in Uzbekistan is facing challenges with respect to deteriorating infrastructure and unreliable power supply. To address these issues, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting the Government of Uzbekistan through the “Uzbekistan Power Transmission Improvement Project” which aims to: i) improve the power transmission network capacity and reliability in the northwest region of the country, ii) reduce transmission losses, and iii) improve the operational efficiency of the power sector. This will be done through the i) construction of a new 220kV single-circuit overhead transmission line spanning over 364 km, ii) expansion, rehabilitation, and construction of 3 substations and iii) capacity building and institutional development.
Additionally, given the growing impacts of climate change in the region, FutureWater has been assigned to carry out a climate risk and adaptation assessment for 12 transmission lines and 2 substations in the country. FutureWater will make use of state-of-the-art downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) ensembles, and other relevant hazards and local information to develop this CRA. The insights from this assessment will enable ADB to justify climate financing for further enhancing the climate resilience of the grid system. Moreover, through the adoption of climate-resilient technologies and adaptation measures based on the climate risk assessment, the country will be able to cut down on their GHG emissions and ensure uninterrupted power supply in light of a changing climate. This will be complimented by deriving adaptation costs to justify the need for climate financing. In addition, FutureWater will also be reviewing the existing meteorological monitoring network and recommending additional potential monitoring sites for improved surveillance in the country.
Related publications
2023 - FutureWater Report 243
Khanal, S., T. Imran, C. Nolet. 2023. Climate Risk and Adaptation Assessment for Digitize to Decarbonize – Power Transmission Grid Enhancement Project – Uzbekistan. FutureWater Report 243.X
Climate Risk and Adaptation Assessment for Digitize to Decarbonize – Power Transmission Grid Enhancement Project – Uzbekistan
Khanal, S., T. Imran, C. Nolet
