Uzbekistan : Talimarjan Power Project (formerly CASAREM-Talimarjan Energy Development Project)

Sovereign Project | 43151-023

The project involves a new power plant to improve energy security and facilitate regional energy trade. It also aims to increase energy efficiency and save energy through clean power generation. Supporting investments will increase regional connectivity, and improve power sector performance and management, and customer service.

Flickr photos from the 43151-023: Talimarjan Power Project in Uzbekistan album.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Musaev, Shokhimardon
    Central and West Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Uzbekistan
  • Sector
    • Energy
Project Name Talimarjan Power Project (formerly CASAREM-Talimarjan Energy Development Project)
Project Number 43151-023
Country / Economy Uzbekistan
Project Status Closed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
Source of Funding / Amount
Loan 2629-UZB: Talimarjan Power Project (formerly CASAREM-Talimarjan Energy Development Project)
Ordinary capital resources US$ 340.00 million
Loan 2630-UZB: Talimarjan Power Project (formerly CASAREM-Talimarjan Energy Development Project)
Asian Development Fund US$ 10.00 million
Loan 8244-UZB: Talimarjan Power Project (formerly CASAREM-Talimarjan Energy Development Project)
Japan Bank for International Cooperation US$ 300.00 million
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Regional integration
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Partnerships
Sector / Subsector

Energy / Energy efficiency and conservation

Gender Some gender elements
Description The project involves a new power plant to improve energy security and facilitate regional energy trade. It also aims to increase energy efficiency and save energy through clean power generation. Supporting investments will increase regional connectivity, and improve power sector performance and management, and customer service.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

Uzbekistan's economy grew at an annual average rate of 7% during 2004-2006 and 9% in 2007-2008. Despite the global financial and economic crisis, growth prospects for 2010 and beyond are expected to be within a range of 8%-9%. The country has taken a gradual rather than rapid shock approach to reform, and the response to the crisis was swift, balanced, and successful.

Uzbekistan has the most industrialized and energy intensive economy in Central Asia. For each dollar of gross domestic product, Uzbekistan uses 60% more energy than Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, and four times more than the world average; this stems from (i) aging and dilapidated energy infrastructure, (ii) a low technological base, (iii) lack of investment, and (iv) inefficiency.

Energy efficiency is now a top strategic priority for Uzbekistan, as well as for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and represents the best means (in terms of reducing cost and carbon intensity) to achieve energy security. It reduces the currently high levels of energy intensity, and increases energy productivity. The social and economic benefits are also high. Consumers spend less, power generation and dispatch costs fall and the financial return to the utilities increase. Increased revenues underpin more investment, better maintenance, and improved service quality.

The government has in place policy and legal frameworks to reduce energy intensity levels and cut losses, and has plans for significant clean technology investments and institutional reforms. In the short to medium term (2009-2014), power generation capacity will need to increase considerably to match electricity demand growth of 3.1%5.4% a year. The construction of new and more efficient combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants fit the strategy. Other actions include expanding renewable energy, energy efficiency programs, the replacement or rehabilitation of old and obsolete thermal power plants, and energy trade.

Investment in CCGT technology leads to high energy savings and environmental benefits. It is the cleanest fossil fuel-based method of power generation available, and CCGT power plants burning natural gas produce significantly less carbon emissions than do coal- and oil-fired thermal power plants.

Uzbekistan is rich in hydrocarbon resources. Another strategic priority is the processing (or value-added production) of these resources for both domestic and foreign markets. This strategy requires substantial investment and investors, with transactions most likely structured around a range of public and private initiatives, several of which are under consideration.

Increased energy production in Uzbekistan directly benefits several countries in the region. Afghanistan already gets most of its electricity from Uzbekistan. Other beneficiaries are Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, both of which are rich in hydro resources but prone to winter shortages. The Uzbek power transmission system also facilitates transfer of power supplies between these two countries and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan is a natural gas exporter, including to the People's Republic of China. In the medium term, Uzbekistan will also pursue power exports to new energy-deficit markets such as Pakistan.

Uzbekistan is an active participant in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC), which includes Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and Tajikistan. In 2008, the CAREC countries agreed on a long-term strategy for developing the region's energy sector, which focuses on energy security and trade. In October 2009, the countries agreed on a framework action plan to expand the regional power network as a means to increase trade in power. ADB and other multilateral institutions participating in CAREC are cofinancing studies, capacity development, and investments. It was under this framework that Uzbekistan started exporting power to Afghanistan (up to 150 megawatts [MW]) in early 2009; these exports will soon rise to 300 MW.

Power generation. In 2008, Uzbekistan generated 50,254 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electric power, imported 925 GWh from its neighbors, and exported about 630 GWh. The total installed capacity for power generation is 12,400 MW, but less than 10,000 MW are available. Thermal power plants (TPPs) represent 86% and hydropower plants 14% of the capacity. Natural gas is used for 94% of thermal power generation. All TPPs run on steam cycle technology with an efficiency rate of 31%, compared to 57% under advanced CCGT technology. Total losses (net generation output less invoiced energy) are 20% of generated energy. The heavy reliance on and inefficient use of fossil fuels in power generation creates negative environmental impacts, while CCGT power plants reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Most assets are 40-50 years old, and require replacement and/or rehabilitation. Since 1991, only two power generation capacity expansion projects have been completed. By 2015, the government wants to replace 570 MW of inefficient (25% efficiency), outdated generation capacity and install three CCGT power plants totaling 1,600 MW. Construction of two such projects in Tashkent and Navoi began in 2009. The third project is the one proposed here.

Power transmission. The transmission system consists of 1,850 kilometers (km) of 500 kilovolt (kV) lines, 6,200 km of 220 kV lines, and 15,300 km of 110 kV lines. The high voltage system is connected to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. It also has a 220 kV connection with Afghanistan. The transmission system is ageing and needs upgrading. Transmission bottlenecks are becoming a serious obstacle to the delivery of power to domestic and regional customers.

The southern region of Uzbekistan receives electricity from the northern region, where 70% of power generation is located. However, over 90% of gas production is located in the south. This means gas is transported to the north for conversion to electricity, which is then sent back to customers in the south. In 2009, the electricity peak demand in the southern region surpassed 2,000 MW, but the north-south transmission capacity is limited to about 1,600 MW, resulting in shortages during peak hours. This energy flow problem is compounded by growing industrialization in the south. The CCGT power plants to be constructed in Talimarjan and Navoi are located in the south, close to gas production fields. These investments will reduce gas and power transmission losses. They will also free up transmission capacity to supply neighboring countries.

The state joint stock company, Uzbekenergo, the sole power sector utility in the country, is a vertically integrated and publicly owned monopoly. It owns and operates 10 TPPs (including three cogeneration plants), and 28 hydropower plants. It owns and operates the power transmission network. It also distributes power to all categories of customers from its 14 regional distribution centers, which have 256 distribution units. A restructuring of Uzbekenergo is planned. The key objective is to commercialize its utility operations and introduce competition in various business lines.

To realize the power system modernization and rehabilitation program, Uzbekenergo will continue to seek investment from international lenders and the private sector. To secure finance, it plans to (i) modernize its accounting system with a financial management information system, (ii) improve financial transparency in line with international auditing standards and reporting practices, and (iii) review the internal financial management structure by establishing internal auditing.

Uzbekenergo wants to transform its management and operations to become a model power utility company in the region. This requires new skills, new business practices, and new technology. The management of Uzbekenergo is committed to change.

Impact

Improved energy security

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Increased energy-efficient power generation capacity

Progress Toward Outcome The combined cycle power plant was officially inaugurated on 29 August 2017.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Energy-efficient generating plants installed

Uzbekenergo corporate management and performance improved

Community service center is operational

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

Output 1. Achieved with delay. Commissioning was done in Q3 2017 vs original target of 2015 due to delays in procuring the EPC contract, which was signed in March 2013, registering contract amendments, transporting equipment, and steel structure works.

Output 2. Target achievable with delay. Capacity development program commenced in 2015 and is still on-going.

Output 3. Achieved with delay. Construction of the community center is completed.

The loan 2630-UZB was extended till 30 October 2019 to implement the capacity development component.

Geographical Location Nishon Tumani
Safeguard Categories
Environment A
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects

An environmental impact assessment has been prepared and was disclosed on 15 December 2009. Two rounds of public consultations were held prior to project appraisal. The environmental sensitivity of the project site and its surroundings is low. The town of Nuristan (home to employees of the Talimarjan TPP) is the only community close to the plant; the nearest other settlements are over 5 km away. Large parts of the surrounding area have been developed for irrigated agriculture; undeveloped areas consist of Karshi steppe, which is made up of semi-desert scrublands. The project's key environmental issues are air quality and emissions, noise impacts on the Nuristan settlement, and water management. The project will contribute to the process of closing older inefficient plants, which will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced from power generation. CCGTs fueled by natural gas produce significantly lower amounts of CO2 and nitrogen oxide (NOx) than do oil- or coal-fired plants, and negligible amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2). They typically have 35% lower fuel consumption than conventional TPPs and require less water. Dispersion modeling has done to assess the possible impacts of NOx. ADB has agreed with the State Committee for Nature Protection on the acceptable discharge limits for CCGTs.

Water is taken from the KMC in summer and a single pass cooling process is used. Water is then discharged back into the canal. The thermal plume is cooled to within 5C of the intake temperature within 500 meters. A closed system is used in winter whereby water is sprayed into lagoons for cooling before being returned to the plant. The method for cooling the new plant will be designed during the engineering stage. There is sufficient water supply in the canal to meet the additional demand without impacting downstream water users.

Involuntary Resettlement No involuntary resettlement and land acquisition required.
Indigenous Peoples No indigenous peoples identified.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design

The project is a national power generation project, and the population is not involved in its planning and development. However, consultations with key stakeholders (such as community leaders and power plant workers) at both central and local government levels were conducted in four different locales or "mahallas" of the Kashkadarya province which geographically represent the entire Kashkadarya. The mahallas were consulted regarding their needs during preparation of the detailed design of the CCC, and for training on topics such as vocational training, handicrafts, sewing, food processing, energy usage, health and hygiene, family planning, and information on microcredits. Half of the respondents were housewives and working women to get their views on household consumption. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews were held as follows:

1. Nuristan settlement community of the Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant - 1 FGD with 8 female household users; and 3 interviews with mahalla leader, local polyclinic, and power energy supply agency's debt collector

2. Muborek rayon for rural and agricultural settings in western part of the province - 1 FGD with 6 female household; and 6 interviews with local businesses, mahalla leaders, medical facility, energy supply agency's representatives

3. Kamashi for rural and agricultural settings in eastern part of the province - 1 FGD with 6 female household users; and 4 interviews with local businesses, medical facility, and mahalla leader

4. Karshi city for issues in urban and business communities - 1 FGD with 4 women from mahallas in different parts of the city; 1 FGD with 4 women of mahalla selected for the study; 1 FGD with 4 mahalla leaders from different parts of the city, and 4 interviews with local businesses, power supply agency's debt collector, and local school.

5. Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant for gender and social issues - 1 FGD with 3 females, 1 FGD with 3 male workers, and 3 interviews with administration of the plant, and Medical Post attendant.

The following CSOs were also consulted:

1. Business Women Association of Kashkadariya Oblast

2. Women's Committee of Kashkadariya Oblast (region) and Nuristan village of the same Oblast

3. Makhalla (community based organization) of Karakalpakstan and Kashkadariya Oblast

4. Business Women Association - Karakalpakstan

During Project Implementation Continuous C&P activities are included in the overall social and/or gender activities (see community and gender action plan), and are being implemented and managed by special staff (focal points) assigned by the gender specialist at the project management unit. The focal points are assisting the gender specialist in implementing the community and gender action plan.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services

All consultants will be recruited according to ADB's Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (2013, as amended from time to time).

The project implementation consultant was recruited through the Quality- and Cost-based Selection (QCBS) method. The auditor for FY 2011-2012 was recruited through the Consultants' Qualifications Selection method. An auditor will again be recruited for FY 2015. An individual consultant was engaged for the EA's needs assessment for capacity development. Consultants will be engaged to implement the capacity development program via QCBS by 2015.

Procurement

All procurement of goods and works will be undertaken in accordance with ADB's Procurement Guidelines (2013, as amended from time to time).

A turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor was engaged for the CCGT Power Plant, following the international competitive bidding procedure (ICB) using the two-stage bidding method.

Equipment under the capacity development program will be procured using ICB for contracts valued at $500,000 and above, and Shopping for contracts valued at $100,000 or less.

Responsible ADB Officer Musaev, Shokhimardon
Responsible ADB Department Central and West Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Uzbekistan Resident Mission (URM)
Executing Agencies
JSC Talimarjan TPP
Uzbekenergo-Talimarjan
Timetable
Concept Clearance 07 Dec 2009
Fact Finding 20 Nov 2009 to 04 Dec 2009
MRM 12 Jan 2010
Approval 20 Apr 2010
Last Review Mission -
PDS Creation Date 22 Jan 2010
Last PDS Update 09 Apr 2019

Loan 2629-UZB

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
20 Apr 2010 01 May 2010 23 Jul 2010 31 Dec 2015 31 Dec 2018 15 Jan 2019
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 970.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 340.00 17 Jun 2022 339.99 0.00 100%
Counterpart 630.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 17 Jun 2022 339.99 0.00 100%

Loan 2630-UZB

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
20 Apr 2010 01 May 2010 23 Jul 2010 31 Dec 2015 31 Oct 2019 26 Mar 2020
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 10.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 10.00 17 Jun 2022 2.12 0.00 100%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 17 Jun 2022 2.12 0.00 100%

Loan 8244-UZB

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
21 Dec 2009 01 May 2010 30 Jul 2010 30 Jul 2019 - 04 Dec 2017
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 300.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 0.00 17 Jun 2022 0.00 241.10 100%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 300.00 17 Jun 2022 0.00 241.10 100%

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Talimarjan Power Project: Completion Report Project/Program Completion Reports Dec 2021
Amendment to the Loan Agreements for Loan 2629-UZB and Loan 2630-UZB: Talimarjan Power Project Loan Agreement (Ordinary Resources) Dec 2019
Amendment to the Project Agreement for Loan 2629-UZB and Loan 2630-UZB: Talimarjan Power Project Project/Program Agreements Dec 2019
Talimarjan Power Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Jul 2018
Talimarjan Power Project: Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Jul 2016
Talimarjan Power Project: Special Review Report Proactive Integrity Reviews (PIR) May 2016
Talimarjan Power Project: Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Mar 2015
Talimarjan Power Project: Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Nov 2013
Talimarjan Power Project: Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Jun 2012
Talimarjan Power Project Project/Program Administration Manual Jun 2010
Project Agreement for Talimarjan Power Project between Asian Development Bank and State Joint Stock Company UzbekEnergo dated 01 May 2010 Project/Program Agreements May 2010
Loan Agreement for Talimarjan Power Project between Republic of Uzbekistan and Asian Development Bank dated 01 May 2010 Loan Agreement (Special Operations) May 2010
Loan Agreement for Talimarjan Power Project between Republic of Uzbekistan and Asian Development Bank dated 01 May 2010 Loan Agreement (Ordinary Resources) May 2010
Talimarjan Power Project Summary Poverty Reduction and Social Strategies Mar 2010
Report and Recommendation of the President: Talimarjan Power Project Reports and Recommendations of the President Mar 2010
Talimarjan Power Project: Community and Gender Strategy Action Plan Gender Action Plans Mar 2010

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Talimarjan Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-November 2017) Environmental Monitoring Reports Dec 2017
Talimarjan Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2016) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jan 2017
Talimarjan Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2016) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jun 2016
Talimarjan Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2015) Environmental Monitoring Reports Mar 2016
Talimarjan Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2015) Environmental Monitoring Reports Oct 2015
Talimarjan Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2014) Environmental Monitoring Reports Feb 2015
Talimarjan Clean Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2014) Environmental Monitoring Reports Aug 2014
Talimarjan Clean Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2013) Environmental Monitoring Reports Feb 2014
Talimarjan Clean Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2013) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jul 2013
Talimarjan Clean Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2012) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jan 2013
Talimarjan Clean Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (October 2012) Environmental Monitoring Reports Oct 2012
Talimarjan Power Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2012) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jul 2012
Talimarjan Power Project: Semiannual Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2011) Environmental Monitoring Reports Apr 2012
Talimarjan Clean Power Project Environmental Impact Assessments Dec 2009

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

Title Document Type Document Date
Uzbekistan: Talimarjan Power Project Validations of Project Completion Reports Dec 2022

Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

No tenders for this project were found.

Contracts Awarded

No contracts awarded for this project were found

Procurement Plan

Title Document Type Document Date
Talimarjan Power Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Jul 2018