Integrated Use of the Hydropower Sources of Uzbekistan in the Context of Climate Change

Abstract—: The Republic of Uzbekistan is among the countries most susceptible to climate change where the average rate of temperature increase exceeds the average rate on the planet. The analysis of river flow variability of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers performed for scenarios of moderate development of the climatic situation for the horizons of 2030 and 2050 showed a possible decrease in the runoff and presence of interannual and intra-annual runoff variability of these rivers. The role of hydropower plants (HPPs) with reservoirs regulating river runoff is significantly increasing in the context of climate change. They provide rational and optimal redistribution of runoff in the interests of water consumers in various economy sectors and the social sphere, as well as the integrated and optimal use of renewable energy resources (RESs). The study considers models of elements of hydropower complex or hybrid system (HS) that includes a reservoir, HPP, solar photovoltaic power plant (SPVPP), and wind power plant (WPP). A methodology for the creation of a HS, combining HPP and RES-based power plants (solar/wind) has been proposed. The methodology entails the ability to control the operating modes of HPP integrated into the HS due to regulatory capabilities of the reservoir for equalization and redistribution of capacity of the RES-based power plants and use of HS power as a load reserve and operation during peak load hours. © 2023, Allerton Press, Inc.