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Uzbekistan plans to increase gas imports to 10-11 billion cubic meters per year by 2030.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan plans to increase natural gas imports to 10-11 billion cubic meters per year by 2030 due to the depletion of existing fields. This was stated by Uzbekistan's Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov in the Lolazor podcast.
According to the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy, the plan is to increase gas production to 62 billion cubic meters by 2030. However, in recent years, there has been a continuous decline in the production of "blue fuel." In 2023, gas production fell to 46.7 billion cubic meters, which is 9.6% less than in 2022. From January to August 2024, the production volume was 29.9 billion cubic meters, down 4.6% compared to the same period in 2023 and 25% lower than in the same period in 2019.
When asked about the validity of forecasts for increased production if it continues to decline, as well as the upper limits on gas imports, the minister noted that gas consumption is growing due to population growth and economic expansion. He emphasized that the plan is to increase natural gas imports to 10-11 billion cubic meters per year by 2030.
Mirzamakhmudov explained that opening a new field and developing it requires 3 to 5 years and pointed to the lack of geological exploration in the past. The depletion of existing fields has reached 85%. In the Ustyurt region, where the highest volume of gas is produced, compressor stations are being actively constructed to enhance efficiency.
The minister also noted the challenges of geological exploration in the Ustyurt region. Under the Surgil project, the American company DeGolyer and MacNaughton was engaged to conduct a full audit of reserves and develop the field. However, the results were not confirmed.
He added that the "gas cap" in the Surgil field exists in multiple layers, unlike other fields in Uzbekistan. Work in the Ustyurt region continues, with international companies such as Halliburton and Schlumberger being involved. Depending on the results of geological and geophysical studies, gas import volumes may decrease if reserves prove to be good and production levels are maintained. Otherwise, imports are expected to remain within the range of 10-11 billion cubic meters per year.
