Uzbekistan Implements a Landmark Oil Shale Processing Investment Project

In the Navoi region, construction is underway on a state-of-the-art industrial complex for the processing of oil shale, based on the largest deposit in the country — the Uchkun (Aktau) field. The project, commissioned by LLC “Shale Resources” and implemented by Enter Engineering, is the first of its kind in Uzbekistan and ranks among the world’s largest initiatives in the field of advanced oil shale processing.

 

The Uchkun complex will become the first industrial enterprise in Central Asia to deploy the cutting-edge CCS-1500 (Galoter process) technology for oil shale processing. This technology enables the efficient extraction of liquid hydrocarbons, generation of electricity, and minimization of environmental impact thanks to its closed-cycle design and low water consumption.

Key advantages of the project include:

Extensive resource base — Proven reserves of the Uchkun deposit amount to around 2 billion tonnes of oil shale, ensuring stable operation of the complex for decades.

World-class technologies — Advanced methods of pyrolysis and thermochemical processing are being introduced, adapted specifically to the geological conditions of Uzbekistan.

Industrial synergy — The project integrates mining, processing, power generation, petrochemicals, and mechanical engineering, forming a new industrial cluster.

Equipment localization — For the first time in Uzbekistan, a dedicated steel structures plant is being established to serve the project, reducing costs and fostering the national machine-building industry.

 

On the 231-hectare industrial site, extensive works have already been completed: excavation and foundation works, concrete pouring, and installation of steel structures. Power transmission line poles have been erected, and infrastructure development continues.

Commissioning of auxiliary infrastructure and the first stage of key facilities has already begun:

 

 

Water supply — 24 water wells have been drilled and the first stage of water intake facilities launched, enabling extraction of over 800 liters of technical water per minute. An 11 km water pipeline has been commissioned, providing the complex with up to 5,000 cubic meters of water daily.

Steam generation — A high-pressure steam boiler unit has been launched, producing up to 10 tonnes of process steam per hour, enabling commissioning of major technological systems.

Gas and air supply — A nitrogen and compressed air generation unit has been put into operation, with capacity to produce 1,000 m³ of nitrogen (95% purity) and 5,000 m³ of compressed air at over 10 bar pressure per hour.

 

Given the high readiness level of core technological facilities, integrated commissioning is scheduled to start by late August. Currently, over 2,700 specialists and 348 units of equipment are engaged at the site.

 

The future complex will process more than 100,000 tonnes of shale oil annually and generate over 30 MW·h of electricity. The project will create hundreds of jobs, strengthen Uzbekistan’s energy independence, accelerate applied research, enable technology transfer, and stimulate growth in the national machine-building sector.

“The Uchkun project is not only a new chapter in Uzbekistan’s energy sector, but also a unique example of how investment in advanced technologies drives long-term industrial growth and opens new opportunities for economic development,” — noted a representative of Enter Engineering.

 

The Uchkun Complex is positioned to become a new driver of industrial growth in Central Asia, laying the foundation for a large-scale oil shale processing cluster and securing Uzbekistan’s place among the global leaders in this industry