Energy Ministry warns of possible power outages during peak hours

The Ministry of Energy reported that one of the gas turbine rotors at the Syrdarya thermal power plant will be replaced. As a result, electricity supply restrictions are being introduced in several regions.

After the launch of the power plant in Shirin, built with the participation of Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation, a malfunction was detected in gas turbine rotor No. 2. To restore the plant’s operation as quickly as possible, Mitsubishi manufactured a new rotor “in the shortest possible time” under its warranty obligations.

The 114-ton unit arrived in Tashkent from Ürümqi on 8 December on a special flight operated by the Ukrainian cargo carrier Antonov Airlines. From the capital, it was delivered directly to the plant site.

Installation of the new rotor and subsequent testing and commissioning will take approximately one month. To compensate for the lost capacity, reserve units and newly commissioned blocks will be utilized.

At the same time, generation at solar power plants is limited due to shorter daylight hours and cloudy weather. To balance electricity production and consumption, some regions of Uzbekistan are introducing temporary power supply restrictions.

Short-term outages may occur mainly during peak demand hours (from 17:00 to 21:00). Consumers will be notified in advance if necessary.

The restrictions are aimed at ensuring stability and safety within the energy system, the Energy Ministry emphasized. Once the rotor installation is completed, the plant’s generation capacity will be restored, allowing the limits to be lifted.

According to the ministry, as of 8 December Uzbekistan has produced 10 billion kWh of “green” energy. While renewable energy sources supplied 1 billion kWh to the grid in 26 days in September, it now takes about a month and a half to achieve the same volume.