BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 8. Uzbekistan and France
have discussed expanding energy cooperation and advancing new
investment projects as the value of joint initiatives in the sector
has exceeded $4 billion.
This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbek Ministry of
Energy following the meeting between Energy Minister Jurabek
Mirzamakhmudov and Claude Imauven, Chairman of the
Uzbekistan-France Business Council under MEDEF International, and
French Ambassador to Uzbekistan Walid Fouque.
According to the ministry, the sides discussed strengthening the
strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and France, expanding
energy cooperation, and implementing prospective investment
projects.
“High-level dialogue between Uzbekistan and France is creating a
solid foundation for the consistent expansion of cooperation across
various sectors of the economy, particularly in energy,” the
Ministry of Energy said.
France is currently one of Uzbekistan's key partners in the
energy sector. Three major projects worth a combined $2 billion are
being implemented with the participation of French companies, while
work is underway on another six prospective projects valued at $1.8
billion.
Consequently, the portfolio of joint Uzbekistan-France energy
initiatives has exceeded $4 billion.
The meeting highlighted cooperation with EDF, including projects
to build modern combined-cycle gas turbine power plants in the
Syrdarya and Surkhandarya regions with a combined capacity of more
than 3.1 GW.
“These projects are aimed at strengthening energy security,
improving electricity generation efficiency, and ensuring a stable
power supply for consumers,” the ministry said.
The contribution of TotalEnergies and Voltalia to the
development of renewable energy in Uzbekistan was also highlighted.
The companies are involved in solar and wind power projects, as
well as energy storage systems.
“TotalEnergies and Voltalia are reliable partners in advancing
Uzbekistan's strategic goals for the development of green energy,”
the ministry noted.
During the meeting, several French companies operating in the
energy and industrial sectors presented modern technologies,
innovative solutions, investment opportunities, and proposals for
new projects in Uzbekistan.
The sides also discussed cooperation in developing modern energy
infrastructure, new generation capacity, high-voltage transmission
networks, and energy storage systems, as well as industrial and gas
transportation infrastructure.
Other areas included improving energy efficiency, introducing
digital technologies, strengthening engineering cooperation,
training specialists, and exchanging advanced expertise.
The parties reaffirmed their readiness to expand investment
cooperation, attract modern technologies, and continue developing
new joint energy projects.
