Uzbekistan's First Digital Substation Completes
Uzbekistan has reached a remarkable milestone in its energy sector with the successful completion of its first digital substation. Located in Zafarabad, within the Jizzakh Province, this state-of-the-art facility operates at 220 kV and has been developed by Shanghai Electric. Spanning approximately 75,000 square meters, this digital substation aims to significantly enhance the electricity supply in eastern Uzbekistan, an area that has faced persistent energy shortages for over twenty years.
Addressing Energy Shortages
The country has struggled with inadequate natural gas and electricity for years, forcing many residents to resort to traditional heating methods during the harsh winter months. The Zafarabad digital substation is set to play a crucial role in fortifying the local power grid and ensuring a steady supply of electricity to both industrial and residential sectors. With a capacity of 400 megawatts, this facility will effectively double the electricity supply in the Jizzakh region, ensuring stability for local businesses and homes alike.
Advanced Technology for Optimal Performance
This modern substation features two autotransformers, each capable of handling 250 MVA, designed and manufactured by Shanghai Electric. These transformers will reduce the high voltage of the 220 kV electrical grid down to 110 kV for local distribution, assuring that Jizzakh receives reliable and quality electricity to meet its growing demands.
A notable advancement within the project is the implementation of a fully digitized system. This innovation is set to dramatically increase operational efficiency and ensure security within the substation’s workings. Advanced monitoring and data acquisition systems will lessen the need for on-site maintenance staff, thereby improving operational safety. In emergency scenarios, real-time monitoring capabilities allow for swift localization of failures and adjustments in electrical load, minimizing the risk of outages.
Shanghai Electric's Commitment
Shanghai Electric was entrusted with this critical turnkey project by Uzbekistan’s national electrical grid in October 2021. Being the country’s first digital substation, the Shanghai Electric project team faced numerous obstacles, including multilingual collaboration and technical debugging. Nevertheless, through meticulous project optimization and comprehensive training, they ensured the timely completion of the substation’s primary infrastructure without any reported accidents during the three years of construction.
This venture not only enhances the energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan but also underscores Shanghai Electric's capabilities and commitment to modernizing the energy landscape in developing regions. As Uzbekistan continues to evolve, the Zafarabad digital substation represents a pivotal step towards a reliable and efficient electricity network, promoting further growth and development in the region.
To learn more about Shanghai Electric and its projects, visit
Shanghai Electric's website.