‘The Sun’ heliocomplex in Parkent
The Sun Institute Near Tashkent — Futuristic Energy in the Mountains
Just 45 km from Tashkent, in the mountains of the Parkent district, stands one of the world’s most extraordinary scientific facilities — the Sun Institute (SPA “Physics–Sun”). This unique heliocomplex features a giant solar furnace capable of generating temperatures up to 3,000°C within seconds.
A Brief History
The center’s history began in 1940 with the opening of a physical-technical laboratory in Tashkent. In the 1980s, a large optical-mirror complex was constructed in the village of Kuyosh (“Sun”), and in 1987 the Big Solar Furnace with a capacity of 1 MW was officially launched. Today, it is one of only two such complexes in the world (the second is located in France), and the Uzbek solar concentrator is considered the largest.
How It Works
Sixty-two heliostats with thousands of mirrors reflect sunlight onto a massive 42-meter-high parabolic concentrator. The rays are focused into a technological tower, where extreme conditions are created — high temperatures, vacuum, and controlled atmospheres.
Here, scientists conduct research in materials science, aerospace technologies, and renewable energy.
Why Visit
Until 1993, the site was classified. Today, it is open to visitors and has become one of the most impressive attractions in the Tashkent region.
During the экскурсия you can:
Practical Information
Travel Tip
A visit to the Sun Institute can easily be combined with a trip to Kumushkan village, a walk through the Sukok forest, or tasting local samsa in the Parkent area. It makes a perfect one-day tour blending science, nature, and gastronomy.
The Sun Institute is where cutting-edge technology meets the beauty of mountain landscapes — a true journey into the energy of the future
