Project features

The EBRD is providing a loan to JS “National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan” (NEGU) for the construction of ca. 120 km 500 kV OHTL that will connect existing Sarimay substation (Khorezm region) with planned Dzhankeldy 500 MW wind farm (Bukhara region), as well as 10 km of 500 kV OHTL to connect a new 500 kV open switchgear of planned Bash 500 MW wind farm with existing Navoi transmission lines. 130 km of proposed OHTL route runs through unmodified area of Kyzylkum that is characterised with massive sand hills. Areas around Dzhankeldy are considered a habitat of critically endangered Southern even-fingered gecko and Houbara Bustard. Close location of Amudarya river to Sarimay substation poses a danger for bird migration after the construction of the Project. According to EBRD ESP 2019, the Project is Category A project. EBRD intends to obtain bankable ESIA, ESAP as well as ESDD of NEGU’s standards/policies highlighting gaps against the compliance requirements of the EBRD ESP 2019. 

Services provided

Task 1: Scoping report

Task 2: Full ESIA package, including NTS, SEP, ESMP, BAP   

• Baseline studies, including:
• 24-hr noise monitoring at 2 sensitive locations;
• Spot (2 days to measure NOx, CO, SO2) and continuous (18 hours to measure PM2.5 and PM10);
• Full chemical analysis of soil quality by collecting samples along 130 km of OHTL route;
• Biodiversity assessment, including:
• Critical habitat screening;
• Seasonal mammals, botanical/habitat, reptile survey, including critically endangered species;
• Social impact assessment, including:
• Creating profiles of local communities by conducting socio economic surveys in 250 households; 
• Walkover survey to determine cultural heritage at the proposed project area;
• Organization of public consultations and ESIA disclosure meetings. 

Task 3: Preparation of Environmental and Social Due Diligence report (ESDD)

Task 4: Preparation of Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) report  

Task 5: Preparation of Land Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Framework report 

Task 6: Supplementary bird assessment

• 12 months vantage point (VP) surveys at 11 locations, raptor nesting and houbara bustard survey