ISSN 0003701X, Applied Solar Energy, 2015, Vol. 51, No. 4, pp. 336–337. © Allerton Press, Inc., 2015. Original Russian Text © R.A. Zakhidov, M.V. Kremkov, 2015, published in Geliotekhnika, 2015, No. 4, pp. 111–112.

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The Wind Power Potential of Uzbekistan R. A. Zakhidov and M. V. Kremkov Institute of Power Engineering and Automation, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan email: [email protected] Received April 29, 2015

Abstract—The problems of the evaluation of the potential and possible use of wind power in Uzbekistan, including the construction of wind power stations, are considered. DOI: 10.3103/S0003701X15040210

It is known that wind power occupies an increas ingly prominent place in the development of renew able energy sources (RES) in various countries of the world. The fraction of wind power stations and plants in the global RES capacity increase in 2012 is 39%, and the share of hydro and solar electric power stations is 26% each [1]. At the same time, the use of wind power in Uzbeki stan has not yet reached a commercially meaningful level, despite of its significant potential. The works performed in the republic are mainly studies, research, and projects concerned with the choice of the best ter ritories and locations in terms of the wind strength and speed, which are applicable for the development of wind power stations (WPSs), and with the selection of wind turbine plants (WTPs) with the optimal capacity. Among them, the following promising projects have been implemented: ⎯the development of an uptodate Wind Speed Atlas and a cadastre for wind energy on the territory of the country; ⎯the determination of the wind power potential and the most promising regions having the highest potential; and ⎯the development of experimental WTP and small industrial WPS. The strategic planning of the wind power develop ment, taking into account the vast territories of WPS farms, is an efficient way to reduce the environmental impact starting from the very beginning of the plan ning process and the subsequent construction. This leads to a more integrated structure of the develop ment and decreases the risk problems and delays at later stages of implementing a WPS project [1]. In Uzbekistan, a series of pilot projects on WTP implementation have been implemented, taking into account the possibilities of the diversification of energy sources, and the regulatory and legal frame work is being developed. On April 23, 2015, the National Conference on the Development of Wind

Power Potential (WPP) of Uzbekistan took place at the International Business Center (Tashkent). The conference was an important stage in the determina tion of the RES potential of Uzbekistan, including wind power. At the conference, the Wind Speed Atlas was presented, which is an interactive information analytical system for the WPP of Uzbekistan devel oped by the method of computer modeling. According to the evaluations performed by Ger man and Uzbek specialists within a joint project on the RES development for the SJSC Uzbekenergo [2], the wind power potential of Uzbekistan is estimated to have a capacity of more than 520 GW installed on an area of 17000 km2, with the potential yearly power production of 1.07 billion kW h [3]. Based on the developed Wind Speed Atlas of Uzbekistan (the scheme in figure), the two most promising localities were determined by SJSC Uzbek energo in the Navoiy region and in South Karakalpak stan for the subsequent detailed experimental studies aimed at establishing their WPP values. In March 2015, meteorological towers with equipment for determining the wind speed and direction, as well as the air density and temperature, were installed at these localities. This information is transmitted to a server through a satellite system in the online mode for the subsequent analysis. Both localities recommended for the installation of two wind measurement systems are near the electricity distribution points in Zarafshan and Nukus, on the available territory, and they are not causing environ mental risks or impeding economic activity [3]. The results of the performed analysis will be used to determine the most optimal unit capacity of the typi cal wind turbines, e. g., 3–5 MW, for the subsequent development of WPS farms based on investment projects and the calculation of their potential capaci ties. The first large wind power projects are planned to be implemented in the Tashkent, Bukhara, and Navoiy regions, with the WPS of the total potential

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THE WIND POWER POTENTIAL OF UZBEKISTAN

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Quallative wind speed distribution (average wind speed) for 80 m agl. >2.5 m/s 5.0–5.25 m/s 2.5–3.0 m/s 5.25–5.5 m/s 3.0–3.5 m/s 5.5–5.75 m/s 5.75–6.0 m/s 3.5–4.0 m/s 6.0–6.5 m/s 4.0–4.5 m/s >6.5 m/s 4.5–4.75 m/s 4.75–5.0 m/s

The Wind Speed Atlas of Uzbekistan [2].

capacity of about 200 MW. In the Tashkent region, the construction of an industrial WPS with a capacity of 5 MW is in its final stage. As of today, the specific investment into 1 MW of the installed capacity of WTPs is slightly more than $1 million, which is equal to the one for combined cycle plants. The cost price of WTP power generation is within 5.5 US cents per kW h. Thus, in the nearest future, the development of WPS farms and solar power stations is both urgent and economically reasonable for diversifying energy sources and solving the prob lem of energy security of the whole republic and its particular territories and regions.

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REFERENCES 1. Zakhidov, R.A. and Lutpullaev, S.L., Global trends in alternative energies and problems in Uzbekistan for the development of renewable energy sources, Appl. Solar Energy, 2015, vol. 51, no. 1, p. 50. 2. www.jahonnews.uz. Assessed 12.06.2014. 3. Svodnaya informatsiya po otchetu Natsional’noi konfer entsii po razvitiyu vetroenergeticheskogo potentsiala Res publiki Uzbekistan (Summary Information of National Conference Report on the Wind Power Potential of Uzbekistan Republic), Tashkent, Apr. 23, 2015.

Translated by E. Petrova