China boosts its role in Central Asian energy system
China Energy International Group (Energy China) will actively participate in the construction of cross-border power grids between Central Asian countries, as well as in the development of a «green» energy corridor in Kazakhstan, according to CEO Lyu Zexiang.
Energy China has already taken part in preparing Uzbekistan’s energy development plan through 2030. In cooperation with O`Zenergoinjiniring, an Uzbek energy engineering firm, it has established a consulting company focused on planning and designing the Silk Road energy sector. The Chinese company also plans to play an active role in building cross-border energy infrastructure in Central Asia and will accelerate the planning and development of the green energy corridor in Kazakhstan, Lyu Zexiang said during the Power Central Asia – China forum.
In addition, Energy China is exploring the possibility of establishing special working groups with the governments of host countries to facilitate more efficient regional energy distribution.
«We have invested $3.6 billion in 20 projects across Central Asia, mainly in photovoltaics, wind power, energy storage and construction materials. We also have 50 contracted projects worth nearly $10 billion, of which more than 50% are related to new energy sources,» said Lyu Zexiang.
In Kazakhstan, the company is advancing new projects with a total capacity of 800 megawatts, in partnership with Samruk-Energy. In Uzbekistan, it is investing in the construction of a 1 gigawatt photovoltaic project and a 2.1 gigawatt energy storage project. Meanwhile, in Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Energy China is actively supporting the development of wind energy, solar (photovoltaics) and energy storage solutions.
The unified energy system of Central Asia connects the power grid networks of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. For instance, Kazakhstan supplies electricity to Kyrgyzstan during winter, primarily for heating, while Kyrgyzstan supplies water for agriculture in southern Kazakhstan, which relies on transboundary rivers.
