The development of «green» energy is one of the key objectives for the development of Uzbekistan

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Monday, December 30th, 2024

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Adopted in 2022, Uzbekistan’s Programme on Transition to a Green Economy aims to significantly expand renewable energy capacity by 2030. Key objectives include increasing energy efficiency in industries by 20%, reducing energy intensity per GDP unit by 30%, and achieving at least 40% of energy production from renewable and alternative sources. These efforts are set to cut harmful emissions by 34 million tonnes and diversify the country’s energy resources.

Uzbekistan plans to boost its renewable energy capacity to 27 gigawatts by 2030, tapping into its vast solar and wind potential, which exceeds current electricity demand by 10-12 times. Recent progress reflects this ambition, with renewable energy’s share in total electricity generation projected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 18% by 2024.

As part of 28 public-private partnership projects, the country is constructing solar, wind, and hybrid power plants with a combined capacity of 6.3 gigawatts. In 2023, seven projects were launched, adding 2.6 gigawatts of capacity. New solar and wind plants in regions like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Surkhandarya have contributed 1.6 gigawatts, while small hydroelectric plants in Andijan and Tashkent added 183 megawatts. Solar installations at enterprises and residences now total 457 megawatts, generating 5 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy and saving 1.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.

Foreign direct investment in Uzbekistan’s green energy sector has reached $8 billion in three years, with ongoing projects worth $13 billion involving partners from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, and France. In 2024, planned initiatives include raising solar capacity to 2.6 gigawatts, wind capacity to 900 megawatts, and launching 400 megawatts of energy storage systems.

Uzbekistan’s “Solar Home” program incentivizes residents to install solar panels, offering payments of 1,000 soums per kilowatt of electricity. Over 11,000 households are already participating, optimizing energy use and reducing natural gas consumption by 3 billion cubic meters annually—enough to power 1 million households for a year or generate 15 billion kWh of electricity.

The green transition is also fostering interregional cooperation. In 2023, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan signed a joint communiqué to export renewable energy to Europe. This project will strengthen economic ties and enhance national energy systems. Uzbekistan’s role as Afghanistan’s main electricity supplier underscores its contributions to regional stability, exporting over $90 million worth of electricity in 2023.

The transition aligns with Uzbekistan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change. With a GDP projected to rise from $91 billion in 2023 to $160 billion by 2030, and a population expected to reach 40 million, renewable energy will play a pivotal role in meeting growing demand while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Uzbekistan’s renewable energy expansion is driving industrial growth, with significant increases in the production of transformers, solar panels, and other energy-related equipment. The shift to a green economy is also creating job opportunities, as highlighted by international organizations like the IMF, which projects a 7% boost in global GDP by 2050 through green initiatives.

Uzbekistan’s commitment to green energy addresses urgent challenges posed by climate change and fossil fuel depletion. By leveraging its abundant natural resources—sunshine, wind, rivers, and biological diversity—the nation is paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.

Uzbekistan’s green energy strategy exemplifies its dedication to sustainable development, rational resource use, and economic stability for future generations. While the transition to renewable energy will take time, the country’s comprehensive approach and ambitious policies are setting a precedent for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship