World Bank Funds Uzbekistan Gas Pipeline Leak Repairs
Uzbekistan will repair leaks across its aging gas transmission system under a new World Bank-backed program aimed at reducing losses, improving energy supply and recovering gas for households and industry.
(P&GJ) — Uzbekistan will begin repairing leaks across its aging gas transmission system after securing a $10.6 million grant from the World Bank aimed at improving pipeline reliability and recovering lost natural gas for domestic use.
The funding will support the Uzbekistan Gas Leak Repair Facility Project, which targets major leaks across the state-owned gas transmission network operated by JSC Uztransgaz (UTG).
Uzbekistan’s gas infrastructure has deteriorated over time because of limited investment in maintenance and repairs, leading to rising gas losses and financial impacts. Without upgrades, total gas losses could reach 1.75 billion cubic meters by 2030, resulting in an estimated $228 million in lost revenue, according to the World Bank.
“A more efficient gas transmission network will turn waste into value, freeing up more domestically produced and affordable energy for people and businesses in Uzbekistan. Reducing losses in the gas network will provide substantial savings and economic gains,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Division Director for Central Asia.
The project will be funded through the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Trust Fund and will focus on identifying and repairing large leaks across Uzbekistan’s gas transmission infrastructure.
By 2029, the repair program is expected to recover roughly 47,500 metric tons of gas annually, allowing more fuel to reach households and businesses.
Reduced losses could also generate about $18 million in financial savings, which will be reinvested into additional leak detection and repair work across the pipeline network.
“Fixing leaks from gas infrastructure is relatively easy and provides multiple benefits. In addition to boosting government revenues and energy security, this new project will create jobs and a provide safer operating environment, while reducing harmful emissions,” said Zubin Bamji, Program Manager, Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Trust Fund, World Bank Group Energy Global Department.
The program will also support new leak detection equipment and technical training for Uztransgaz personnel. Officials say these upgrades will help the operator improve monitoring capabilities and meet international methane measurement and reporting standards.
The World Bank said the project is part of a broader push to modernize energy infrastructure in Central Asia while reducing methane emissions from aging gas networks.