STUDIES OF COMPETITIVE MARKET MECHANISMS IN THE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY WHILE ENSURING THE INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

The paper highlights reforms in Uzbekistan, including unbundling of ownership, increased private sector participation in electricity generation, and the development of renewable energy. Despite notable progress, the lack of a fully competitive electricity market and continued reliance on long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) present structural problems that may hinder long-term flexibility and integration of renewable energy. Based on a study of international experience, a scheme for renewable energy support by the government of Uzbekistan is presented. Based on the introduction of renewable energy technology into the energy sector, separate companies responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity will be established. At the same time, the functions of purchase and sale of electricity will be divided according to the newly developed scheme of the electricity sector of Uzbekistan. Research and development work is underway to develop a recommendation for Uzbekistan to create a sustainable, market-oriented energy system, as well as recommendations for future studies on the integration of variable renewable energy sources (VRES) into competitive wholesale and retail markets.