The issue was discussed on August 13 during a presentation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on fuel and energy resources, Khodjaev said after the meeting.
According to the minister, Uzbek companies are expected to participate in projects to build and modernize electricity networks and substations in Afghanistan at the initiative of the Afghan side. The discussions covered permits for Uzbek companies, project financing and mechanisms for monitoring their implementation.
The energy sector has been instructed to establish separate oversight of the projects and report on their progress every week, Khodjaev said.
“The project is being implemented in Afghanistan at the initiative of the Afghan side – it involves building new electricity networks for them and modernizing existing ones,” the minister said.
Electricity exports tied to seasonal surplus
Khodjaev said the development of energy infrastructure in Afghanistan could also create an opportunity for Uzbekistan to export seasonal electricity surpluses.
Uzbekistan can experience periods of excess generation when solar and wind power plants operate at high capacity. Exporting that surplus could allow the country to generate additional economic returns, he said.
However, Khodjaev stressed that exports would not come at the expense of Uzbekistan’s domestic market.
“The volume of electricity exported to Afghanistan will be provided only from the amount remaining after domestic demand has been fully met,” he said.
More solar capacity planned in Surkhandarya
The minister also highlighted the potential for expanding electricity generation in Surkhandarya region, which borders Afghanistan.
He said the region has significant solar potential and that the capacity of an existing solar power plant is already sufficient to cover the region’s electricity needs. Uzbekistan nevertheless plans to build another two or three solar power plants there, Khodjaev said.
The presentation to the president also covered measures to accelerate construction of the Surkhan–Pul-i-Khumri high-voltage transmission line, which is expected to expand electricity interconnection between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
