TASHKENT, December 20. /Dunyo IA/. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Representative Office in Uzbekistan organized a press tour for journalists, which included visits to the Uzbek-Japan Innovation Center of Youth (UJICY) and the Tashkent Thermal Power Plant, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, who attended in the event.

Participants were briefed on the implementation of a joint JICA project aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring the sustainable development of the center. The first phase of the project, completed in 2024, established a solid foundation for institutional development, expanded international cooperation and enhanced the center’s research capabilities.

Building on these achievements, the second phase of the project has been launched, focusing on further strengthening human and scientific potential and ensuring the long-term sustainability of UJICY.

As part of the second phase of the project, JICA plans to engage both short-term and long-term experts from Japan, implement advanced training programs for UJICY staff, and organize short- and long-term study opportunities in Japan for young specialists. The initiative also includes the establishment of a research fund to support emerging scientists and the development of partnerships between UJICY and leading Japanese universities and research institutes.

In addition, JICA, in collaboration with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and UJICY, is implementing the SATREPS Hydrogen Project, focused on developing innovative technologies for the efficient production of “green” and “blue” hydrogen. The project involves Kyushu University, Waseda University and leading research institutions in Uzbekistan. The initiative aims to leverage local energy resources, advance sustainable technological solutions, and train a new generation of scientists and engineers - aligning closely with Uzbekistan’s strategic priorities in the transition to clean energy.

Journalists also visited the Tashkent Thermal Power Plant (TPP), where the construction of two state-of-the-art 32 MW gas turbine units was completed on May 3, 2024. The project was funded through a concessional loan of 12 billion yen provided by JICA, with “Çalık Enerji”, a Turkish company, serving as the general contractor.

At the peak of construction, more than 600 local and international specialists were working on-site simultaneously, supported by approximately 50 units of heavy machinery.

According to project specifications, the new capacity will generate an additional 515.6 million kWh of electricity and 690,300 Gcal of thermal energy annually, while saving approximately 26 million cubic meters of natural gas each year. The deployment of highly efficient gas turbine units manufactured by “Mitsubishi Power” is designed to increase power generation while reducing fuel consumption.

Rasul Shamsiev, Director of the Tashkent Thermal Power Plant, noted that similar gas turbine units have already demonstrated their efficiency in many countries worldwide. The project is expected to reduce annual pollutant emissions by 5.8 tons and create 41 new jobs.

The commissioning of the new gas turbine units has increased the total installed capacity of the Tashkent TPP from 57.15 MW to 125.7 MW. Previously, the plant supplied electricity to approximately 143,000 households; with the new capacity, it can now reliably provide power to an additional 172,000 households.

The event also highlighted JICA’s volunteer programs in Uzbekistan, which engage Japanese volunteers across nine key sectors, including public administration and management, agriculture and forestry, mining, education and sports, healthcare, social protection, trade, utilities, and energy. Volunteers receive preparatory training, including basic Uzbek language instruction, prior to their assignment. Candidate selection is based on official requests from the host side and aligned with identified needs.

JICA’s volunteer program operates in line with the Government of Japan’s cooperation policy with Uzbekistan. The deployment of volunteers to Uzbekistan began in February 2000, and since then approximately 350 specialists have participated. Globally, over 50,000 JICA volunteers have contributed to projects in 99 countries. The program’s main objectives are to transfer professional skills and know-how, deepen mutual understanding of partner countries’ cultures and traditions, and share international experience within Japanese society.

Among the volunteers is Kuniyuki Noto, working at the University of World Languages, who previously participated in JICA programs in China and Turkey. He currently provides methodological and academic support to the university’s master’s students. Another volunteer, Rina Kondo, serves as a teacher in a public school in the capital.

Overall, JICA’s projects in Uzbekistan - spanning education, science, energy, and volunteer programs - illustrate a comprehensive approach to human capital development and sustainable infrastructure. The participation of Japanese experts and volunteers with international experience promotes the transfer of advanced knowledge and practices, strengthens the institutional capacity of partner organizations, and contributes to the long-term expansion of Uzbek-Japanese cooperation.