#Shanghai Electric #Uzbekistan #Digital Substation #Zafarabad

Successful Completion of Uzbekistan's First Digital Substation

On February 20, 2025, significant progress was made in the field of energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan with the completion of the Zafarabad Digital Substation. This 220 kV facility, constructed by Shanghai Electric, is the first of its kind in Uzbekistan and represents a crucial step towards modernizing the country's electricity supply system.

Location and Impact

Situated in the Jizzakh province, the Zafarabad substation spans approximately 75,000 square meters and is designed to substantially enhance the energy supply in Eastern Uzbekistan. For over two decades, the nation had been grappling with chronic shortages of natural gas and electricity, leading many residents to rely on traditional heating methods during harsh winter months. The newly completed substation is set to transform this scenario by reinforcing the electrical network in the region and facilitating improved power distribution.

With a robust capacity of 400 megawatts, the substation will effectively double the energy supply to Jizzakh, ensuring a reliable electricity provision for local industries and residential areas. This improvement is critical for the economic development and overall well-being of the local population, paving the way for a better quality of life.

Advanced Technology at Work

The Zafarabad Digital Substation features cutting-edge technology that enhances operational efficiency. Equipped with two 250 MVA autotransformers developed and manufactured by Shanghai Electric, the facility is capable of stepping down the high voltage from 220 kV to 110 kV for local distribution, guaranteeing consistent and high-quality electricity delivery.

Innovative digitalization is a cornerstone of this project. The substation employs a fully digitalized monitoring and data acquisition system that minimizes the need for on-site maintenance personnel while significantly boosting operational safety. In emergencies, the system's real-time monitoring capabilities allow for quick failure location, ensuring swift adjustments to the power load and preventing outages.

A Collaborative Success Story

The establishment of this digital substation is a testament to the commitment and expertise of Shanghai Electric. Tasked by the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan with designing and delivering this project in October 2021, the Shanghai Electric team navigated an array of challenges, including language barriers and technical troubleshooting, making significant adjustments and optimizations throughout the process.

Throughout construction, teamwork between the Chinese and Uzbek teams was essential to completing the project's critical infrastructure safely and on time. The project stood out for its impressive safety record, achieving three successive years of accident-free operations.

In conclusion, the successful launch of the Zafarabad Digital Substation heralds a transformative chapter in Uzbekistan's energy landscape, illustrating the impact of digitalization in enhancing infrastructure and meeting the growing energy demands of the nation. This achievement is expected to inspire similar initiatives across the region as Uzbekistan continues its journey towards modernization.