Russia Upgrades Uzbekistan’s National Gas Turbine Infrastructure

Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), a division of state corporation Rostec, have drawn up a plan to modernize Uzbekistan’s gas pumping infrastructure by updating more than 20 gas compressor units (GCU), according to UEC Engineering LLC CEO Andrei Vorobyov.

Uzbekistan is the third largest natural gas producer in the CIS and the second largest consumer. The country produced 48.9 billion cubic meters of gas in 2023 and used 46.6 bcm, according to the Uzbek Energy Institute.

“UEC Engineering has worked out a roadmap for the implementation of a project to modernize key compressor stations in Uzbekistan that includes the modernization of 23 gas compressor units using modern NK-14ST engines. This step will make it possible to significantly increase the throughput capacity of gas pipelines and the efficiency of the country’s whole gas transport network,” Vorobyov said.

Given growing demand for energy resources, gas pipeline capacity needs to be increased and worn out equipment must be replaced, so timely modernization of gas transport infrastructure has become an urgent task.

UEC Engineering experts conducted a detailed inspection of GCUs at Uzbekistan’s key compressor stations and recommended priorities for modernization. Vorobyov said that “At present, a significant portion of gas compressor units in the gas transport system of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, use equipment with gas turbine drives, many of which were produced back in the Soviet era and are nearing the end of their service life. UEC Engineering proposed to replace the gas turbines with more modern and economical models, such as the 8.5 MW NK-14ST gas turbine engine. This engine stands apart with its high efficiency and improved consumer characteristics, and also makes it possible to improve the compressor station’s performance in high temperature conditions, which are typical for Central Asia’s climate.”

UEC Engineering has “proposed comprehensive solutions to our Uzbek partners to supply gas turbine equipment that will make it possible to significantly increase the throughput capacity of trunk gas pipelines and improve the reliability of gas transport infrastructure,” he said.

One of the stages of cooperation will be the opening of a production, technology and service center in Uzbekistan that will service gas turbine drives, including UEC engines, used in the country’s national gas transport system.

“This is an important event not only for Uzbekistan’s fuel and energy sector, but also for UEC, since it is completely consistent with the modernize strategy for gas turbine equipment maintenance. The service center will use the latest remote monitoring technology, which will make it possible to prevent emergency situations in good time and significantly increase the equipment’s time between overhauls,” Vorobyov said.

The center will “help to significantly increase the reliability and performance of Uzbekistan’s gas pipelines, since modern maintenance and the use of the latest equipment are key factors in reducing the risks of unscheduled repairs and extending the service life of gas compressor units,” he said.

This service center is intended to help develop Uzbekistan’s existing system of gas pipelines so it can efficiently handle the growing amount of transported gas and ensure the uninterrupted operation of equipment, he added.

UEC Engineering is a comprehensive supplier of gas turbine engines, gas compressor units and power plants with capacity ranging from 2.5 to 118 MW. The company provides servicing, major repair and support services for equipment under lifecycle contracts.