Production-Sharing Agreements (PSAs)

The primary vehicle for foreign participation in Uzbek oil and gas — PSAs negotiated directly with the Ministry of Energy and Uzbekneftegaz. PSA terms cover exploration rights, production sharing ratios, cost recovery, taxation, and repatriation. Uzbekistan has PSAs with major international operators. Bond Stone advises on PSA negotiation, documentation, and compliance from preliminary terms through to full agreement execution.

Subsoil Use Licence

Geological exploration and mining operations require subsoil use licences — issued by the State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources. Licence types: geological study, exploration, and extraction. Competitive tender for commercially significant deposits; direct negotiation for strategic projects. Foreign companies operate through locally registered subsidiaries or joint ventures with Uzbek state entities.

Renewable Energy Approvals

Solar, wind, and small hydro projects require Ministry of Energy approval, land allocation, and grid connection agreements with UzbekEnergo. Government renewable energy tendering programme active — ACWA Power, Total Eren, and Masdar have signed PPAs. CIT at 50% reduced rate for qualifying renewable energy producers registered before 1 September 2025. PPP framework available for large projects.

Electricity Market Licensing

Electricity generation, transmission, and supply licences issued by Ministry of Energy. Market liberalisation underway — wholesale electricity market being established. Foreign investors may hold generation licences subject to Ministry approval. Grid connection and wheeling arrangements require separate agreements with UzbekEnergo transmission subsidiary.

CDM & Carbon Credits

Bond Stone has advised on Clean Development Mechanism projects under the Kyoto Protocol in Uzbekistan — project methodology approval, designated national authority filing with the Ministry of Ecology. Uzbekistan has active CDM registered projects. Carbon market frameworks evolving in line with Paris Agreement implementation.

Mining Licences — Gold, Copper, Uranium

Uzbekistan is a significant gold and copper producer with growing rare earth interest. Mining licences for non-hydrocarbon minerals issued by State Committee on Geology. Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC) dominates gold and uranium. Foreign joint ventures with NMMC and Almalyk MMC remain the primary entry route for large-scale mining operations.

Chinese EPC Contractors — Power Plant Licensing

EPC · Power · Construction Licensing · Multiple

Advising multiple Chinese EPC contractors on branch establishment, construction and energy activity licensing, and personnel compliance for power generation projects in Uzbekistan — Ministry of Energy approvals, grid connection agreements, and UzbekEnergo interface documentation.

Clean Development Mechanism — Kyoto Protocol

CDM · Energy · Regulatory · Ministry of Ecology

Advising on Clean Development Mechanism project registration — project methodology approval, CDM contract structuring, and mandatory filing with Uzbekistan’s designated national authority under the Ministry of Ecology, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

ADB Infrastructure Project — Energy Procurement

ADB · Energy · Procurement · Infrastructure

Drafting and reviewing procurement documentation for an ADB-funded energy infrastructure project in Uzbekistan — works contracts under FIDIC Yellow Book conditions, consultant selection under ADB procurement guidelines, and environmental safeguard compliance documentation.

PSA Structuring Advisory — Oil & Gas

PSA · Oil & Gas · Ministry of Energy · Uzbekneftegaz

Advising an international energy company on production-sharing agreement structuring for an Uzbek oil and gas block — PSA term analysis, cost recovery provisions, taxation treatment, repatriation mechanics, and Ministry of Energy engagement strategy alongside Uzbekneftegaz as state counterparty.