Uzbekistan is among the pioneering countries in the world to begin implementation of an automated natural gas metering control system.

Uzbekistan is among the pioneering countries in the world to begin implementation of an automated natural gas metering control system.

The dynamic development of Uzbekistan's economy requires improvements in supply to internal and external consumers with a further improvement of the gas transmission infrastructure, increasing the operational reliability of the pipeline system. Uztransgaz joint-stock company is tasked with dealing those issues in Uzbekistan.

In accordance with the decree of President Islam Karimov "On measures to improve the activity of the Uztransgaz joint-stock company", dated from 8 August 2006 , further steps towards the development of a common policy in the field of development and operation of gas distribution networks, creation of an effective management system in the field of transportation and delivery of natural gas to domestic consumers as well as the conditions for the sustainable use of natural gas and strengthening the payment discipline for natural gas have been taken.

According to Uztransgaz, the company operates 13.7 thousand kilometers of gas pipelines and gas pipeline branches, through which gas is supplied to around 4 million households and about 80 thousand wholesale customers. There are 25 compressor stations, 341 gas distribution stations and two underground gas storage facilities, ensuring uninterrupted gas supply and a stable pressure at any time of the year.

This year marked the beginning of a qualitatively new stage in the activity of Uztransgaz JSC. Implementation of the smart monitoring system, which will ensure transparency of the gas market, significant energy savings, has started.

According to Shahnoza Islamova, a project team leader in Uztransgaz, currently over 55 percent of household consumers in Uzbekistan have installed gas meters. However, the lack of modern data collection management system does not allow to effectively control and meter gas consumption in the country. The project aims to introduce an automated natural gas metering control system.

It is important to emphasize that Uzbekistan is one of the first in the world to start implementation of this new technology, and no country has a full-scale operating system for its whole territory. There are only examples of pilot projects in developed countries. The purpose of the project in Uzbekistan is to improve the system of natural gas metering through the installation of new electronic meters, which ensure accuracy and reliability, as well as reduce losses of natural gas and timely payment discipline by customers.

Currently, experts are testing the system in the Mirabad district of Tashkent. By the end of 2016 the system will be operational in Tashkent city and Tashkent region.

In 2016-2017 the system will be rolled out in three regions of the Ferghana Valley, while Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions will become part in 2017-2018 to be followed by Samarkand, Jizzakh, Sirdarya, Navoi and Bukhara regions. Until the end of 2020 the system will be rolled out in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region.

The system will comprise of gas meters, data collection, processing and transmission subsystem, information technology subsystem, communication lines and telecommunications interface devices. Tender bids for development of an automated natural gas metering control system in Tashkent and Tashkent region have been announced by Uztransgas JSC. O'ztashqineftgaz JSC, a responsible body for conducting tenders, has already received bids from several companies.