Central Asia Hydropower Energy Storage Project

This integrated approach ensures equitable access to water while empowering local communities to build resilience against environmental changes. Energy security is a pressing issue in Central Asia, where hydropower is the primary renewable energy source. However, only a small fraction of the region's hydropower capacity is utilized.

Central Asian countries are highly interdependent in terms of water and energy. Small- and micro-hydropower potential in Central Asia is insufficiently utilized. Micro-scale hydropower can be embeded into irrigation network with energy storage. Levelised cost of energy below 0.03 EUR/kWh is achievable for micro-hydropower.

A solution for transboundary water and energy conflict in Central Asia is proposed. Benefits of energy storage beyond the energy sector are shown. Long duration energy storage is key for high shares of solar PV and wind energy in the region. An open-access, integrated water and energy system model of Central Asia is developed.

In South and Central Asia, hydropower presents significant opportunities for the region's development. With several countries experiencing rapid population growth and increasing energy demands, harnessing untapped hydropower resources can contribute to energy security and economic growth.

They should demonstrate a range of 10 kW to 2 MW hydropower generation systems. Innovative turbines, generators, controls, materials, and software will provide solutions for Central Asian businesses whilst fulfilling high standards for levelized cost of energy, local engagement, and social and environmental sustainability.

In the Central Asian area, 45 large-scale hydropower plants with a gross capacity of 36.7 GWh/year are located on huge water reservoirs. Uzbekistan produces just 11% of the hydropower, whereas Tajikistan produces over 90%. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan contain around 78% of the region's total hydroelectric capacity, but barely use 10% of it.