Inter RAO eyes investment in Uzbekistan's coal mining as Russia joins Central Asia’s power grid

Uzbekistan has agreed to integrate Russia's Unified Energy System (UES) operator into the combined Central Asian power system. This was announced by Russia's Minister of Energy, Sergey Tsivilev, during a conversation with TASS.

The initiative is connected to both the commercial export of electricity and the management of interstate energy flows, Tsivilev noted. The decision will enable rapid adjustments to the energy balance during periods of shortages and high demand.

Currently, Russia's UES system operator is not part of the Central Asian Unified Energy System (CAUES). Following negotiations on September 9, the energy ministries of both countries released a joint statement urging swift resolution of this matter.

"[The system operator] must be included to jointly manage the unified power system of Central Asia, as we are connected to it. The Uzbek side fully supports this. We will do it in the near future," Tsivilev stated.

His Uzbek counterpart, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, emphasized that the integration would "quickly support the energy needs of the countries" in case of emergencies. The connection of Russia's UES system operator will ensure the safety of energy systems.

Tsivilev also announced a new joint project focused on coal mining and its use for power generation. According to him, the energy company "Inter RAO" is "interested" in participating in the project.

The potential share of the Russian company in the project is currently under discussion. "We are still in the preliminary stages, but the key is that we are ready to sign a memorandum soon to quickly move forward," said Russia's Energy Minister.

In June, the chairperson of Inter RAO's supervisory board, Alexandra Panina, noted the company's plans to begin exporting electricity to Uzbekistan. However, she noted that the transit capacity of Kazakhstan's energy system must first be clarified.