RESOURCES OF THE GROSS HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL OF THE AMU-BUKHARA CANAL USING SINGLE-POINT AND TWO-POINT METHODS

Аннотация

This article assesses the hydropower potential of the Amu-Bukhara Canal in the Bukhara region. To evaluate this potential, both single-point and two-point methods were used, along with the GR-70 hydrometric device to measure water discharge and flow velocity. According to the study results, the average annual water discharge for 2024 on a 70 km section of the Amu-Bukhara Canal was 117.8 m³/s, with a flow velocity ranging from 0.5 to 2 m/s. The two- point method was found to be more accurate, estimating the average annual energy generation at 1.5 million kWh. Based on these findings, it is scientifically proven that this irrigation canal can accommodatelow-power micro-hydroelectric plants. KEYWORDS: Amu-Bukhara Canal, hydrometric device "GR-70", gross water flow potential, water discharge, water flowvelocity, "single-point" and"two-point" methods. I.INTRODUCTION Theuse ofrenewable energy sources offers numerous benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing dependence on fossil fuel markets, particularly oil and gas [1-3]. According to reports, greenhouse gas emissions in the Bukhara region increased by 30% between 2010 and 2024 [4]. The expansion of renewable energy can significantly mitigate the effects of climate change while also stimulating global employment by creating jobs in new power plants [5]. The Renewables 2024 Global Status Report estimates that renewable energy sources account for 27.3% of global electricity generation, with wind, solar, and hydropower being the most prevalent. Among them, hydropower is the leading source, contributing 15.9%, while solar and wind energy collectively account for 8%(Fig. 1)[6]. Fig. 1.Estimated share ofrenewable energy sources inglobal electricity Taking into account environmental challenges, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has adopted thefollowing resolutions: Presidential Decree No. PP-2947 (May 2, 2017) – On the program of measures for the further development of hydropower for 2017-2021. Presidential Decree No. PP-3012 (May 26, 2017) – On the program of measures for the further development of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in economic sectors and the social sphere for 2017-2021. Presidential Decree No. PP- 3687 (April 28, 2018) – On additional measures for the implementation of investment projects in the field of renewable energy sources. Presidential Decree No. PP-4422 (August 22, 2019) – On accelerated measures to improve energy efficiency in economic sectors and the social sphere, 230 INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SJIF2019:5.2222020:5.5522021:5.6372022:5.4792023:6.5632024:7,805 eISSN:2394-6334 https://www.ijmrd.in/index.php/imjrd Volume12,issue05(2025) introduce energy-saving technologies, and develop renewable energy sources. In accordance with these resolutions, Uzbekistan aims to gradually increase the use of renewable energy sources, establish new reliable and environmentally friendly power generation capacities, modernize existing hydroelectric power plants using advanced technologies, and enhance water resource management byadopting international best practices [7]. Between 2020and 2030, according totheNational Energy Strategy of theRepublic ofUzbekistan, electricity generation from renewable energy sources is planned to increase to 30%. During this period, additional 30 GW of capacity is expected to be installed, including 3.8 GW from hydropower, 5 GW from solar energy, and approximately 3 GW from wind energy. As of today, Uzbekhydroenergy operates 37 hydroelectric power plants, generating 6.5 billion kWh annually [8]. One of the most important water supply complexes in Uzbekistan, serving the Bukhara and partially Navoi regions, is the Amu-Bukhara Machine Canal [9]. To implement hydropower projects, it is essential to first assess the hydropower potential of the Bukhara region’s irrigation system. The availability of hydropower resources can facilitate the development of new hydropower plants, ensuring environmentally friendly, reliable, and uninterrupted electricity supply toremote areas ofthe Bukhara region that lack access to thecentralized power grid [10]. When studying the hydropower potential of rivers and irrigation systems, various methods of water resource assessment are used. One of the most important traditional approaches is field surveys, along with data collection from meteorological stations. For example, Nathan Roman et al., in their research, presented the results of exploratory studies aimed at identifying hydropower potential in Western Malaysia for micro-hydroelectric power plants. To determine this potential, data was obtained from sources such as the Department of Surveys and Cartography of Malaysia and theMeteorological Department of Malaysia. According to the study, 109 high-pressure sites (with a head of more than 50 meters) were examined,revealing an estimated total capacity of20.4MW[11]. Ilaria Butera and Roberto Balestra, in their study