French state-owned power generating company EDF and Uzbekistan’s state hydropower producer and developer, Uzbekhydroenergo have discussed signing a future, formal Memorandum of Understanding which would create a deeper relationship between UGE and EDF.

“It was our honour to have such constructive dialogue with an esteemed company such as EDF, and we look forward to continuing our conversations,” Uzbekhydroenergo Chairman Sanginov Abdugani said after his meeting with EDF executives, including Beatrice Buffon, Group Executive Director in charge of EDF’s International Division. “Uzbekistan’s hydropower potential is growing, and we want to work with international, best-in-class partners who can help us achieve an optimal use of Uzbekistan’s natural resources, boost energy efficiency and increase renewable energy’s share in our country’s energy mix,” he added.

EDF, which is the largest state-owned power generating company in France and the world’s largest nuclear power plant operator, and Uzbekhydroenergo also reached preliminary agreements on operational ventures and organizational collaboration, specifically construction of a pumped storage power plant (PSP) for the first time in Uzbekistan, installation of floating solar stations on reservoirs and

the creation of special working groups to discuss key organizational issues.

Pumped storage hydropower is a type of hydroelectric energy storage. It configures two water reservoirs at different elevations that generate power (discharge) as water moves down through a turbine. This draws power as it pumps water (recharge) to the upper reservoir.

UGE is exploring plans to build a 200 MW PSP, in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region.