On February 21, 2025, the successful commissioning of a state-of-the-art digital substation at 220 kV in Zafarabad, Jizak region was celebrated, marking Uzbekistan's momentous leap into modern energy management. Constructed by Shanghai Electric, this cutting-edge facility sprawls over 75,000 square meters and is set to transform the energy landscape of the region.
For more than two decades, Uzbekistan has grappled with a severe shortage of natural gas and electricity, compelling a significant portion of the population to resort to traditional stoves and improvised heating solutions during harsh winters. The newly established substation is poised to alleviate energy shortages and fortify the region's electrical network, enhancing energy distribution and reliability.
This facility boasts a remarkable capacity of 400 megawatts, which effectively doubles electricity supply in the Jizak area, ensuring stable power delivery to nearby industries and residential communities, directly addressing the needs of the local populace.
Among its notable features, the facility is equipped with two 250 MVA autotransformers, specifically engineered by Shanghai Electric, which step down the voltage from 220 kV for local distribution at 110 kV. This technology ensures the delivery of high-quality electricity to the Jizak region, catering to the escalating demand for power in this rapidly developing area.
One of the key innovations of the Zafarabad project is its fully digital system, which significantly elevates operational efficiency and safety. Equipped with advanced monitoring and data collection systems, the substation substantially reduces the need for on-site personnel, enhancing operational safety. In emergency situations, the real-time monitoring systems are capable of rapidly identifying faults and adjusting power loads to prevent outages.
The undertaking was a significant responsibility for Shanghai Electric, which received a turnkey project order from the National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan in October 2021. As Uzbekistan's first digital substation, the project team faced numerous challenges, including multimodal collaboration, language barriers, and technical calibration. The team optimized project configurations and facilitated comprehensive training. Throughout construction, specialists from Shanghai Electric coordinated operational activities between Chinese and Uzbek teams to ensure timely completion of critical project infrastructure with remarkable efficiency over a span of three years without incidents.
This transformative project not only stands as a testament to technological advancement in Uzbekistan's energy sector but also underscores Shanghai Electric's commitment to innovation and excellence in energy infrastructure development. As the country navigates through its energy transition, the Zafarabad digital substation will play a crucial role in fostering energy independence and sustainability in Uzbekistan, paving the way towards a more resilient and modern energy future.
For further information, visit
www.shanghai-electric.com.