Today, not only Central Asian countries but also the global community as a whole are striving to find solutions to overcome climate threats. These problems include the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, increasing surface temperatures, water resource shortages, the frequency of natural disasters, the intensification of desertification processes, and many others.
Experts believe that climate change not only contributes to the emergence of new types of natural disasters but can also significantly amplify the destructive potential of existing calamities to a level where control becomes impossible.
International organizations and scientific communities argue that climate change leads to the emergence of socio-economic problems of varying scales in several regions worldwide. According to the World Bank, climate change could trigger significant internal migration, with 216 million people across six global regions forced to leave their homes and relocate by 2050. The fact that Central Asia is among these regions, where over 5 million residents may face the necessity of relocation, underscores the particular relevance of this issue for the countries in the region.
In this context, a series of decrees and resolutions from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan have been published, aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and addressing existing issues. In particular, to prevent water shortages, soil salinization, and degradation caused by the annual increase in average air temperatures in the region, to adapt agriculture to climate change, and to reduce its negative effects on the climate, the Presidential Resolution on “Measures for the Creation of Climate-Resilient Agroecosystems and Increasing the Resilience of Agricultural Producers to Climate-Related Risks” has been approved. This document has become the foundation for the adoption of the National Program for the Adaptation of the Agricultural Sector to Climate Change. The program envisions the creation of a resilient agroecosystem and increasing the adaptability of agricultural producers to climate challenges.
The priority areas defined within the framework of the National Program include:
• Effective organization of measures implemented in regions affected by climate changes.
• Execution of activities within the framework of international grant projects in agriculture, tailored to climate change adaptation.
• Rational use of natural resources related to climate changes and improvement of agricultural technologies for growing crops.
• Development of measures to adapt agriculture to changing climatic conditions.
• Effective use and protection of pastures.
This resolution also includes measures to adapt the agricultural sector to climate change, as well as support and incentives for agricultural producers within the framework of the program “Expanding Climate-Adaptative Agricultural Practices in Uzbekistan and Mitigating the Impact of the Agricultural Sector on the Climate,” in collaboration with the UN Green Climate Fund, amounting to $200 million. Furthermore, grant funds from the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), and other international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are planned to be allocated to projects related to climate change in the Aral Sea region and in the country’s agriculture.
It is also worth noting that scientists from the Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan are conducting effective research on creating local varieties resistant to the negative effects of climate change—drought and salinity—through the application of gene knockout and marker technologies in breeding.
In particular, based on old genes, drought-, salt-, and cold-resistant cotton varieties Matonat-1 and Matonat-2 have been created for the soil-climatic conditions of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. While in 2025, the plan is to harvest 4.5 tons of seeds from these varieties and sow them over 200 hectares, in 2026 it is planned to collect 90 tons of seeds and sow 4,000 hectares.
Additionally, a biotechnological variety “Barkamol” has been developed from local soft wheat “Triticum aestivum L,” which is resistant to drought and salinity. Next year, there are plans to harvest 4 tons of seeds and plant them over 20 hectares.
Moreover, to combat global climate change and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions arising from the decomposition of agricultural crops, particularly cotton residues (stems and roots), tests of new generation gene knockout lines are being conducted. These lines are capable of accumulating slowly decomposable suberin polymers in their roots and stems, thereby enhancing the “greenness” of Uzbekistan’s agricultural crops.
Furthermore, it is necessary to fundamentally improve the ecological situation in the country, organize systematic work to combat dust storms, protect and restore the environment, reduce the risk of their occurrence through afforestation, and mitigate the negative consequences of these phenomena. A system for early warning about dust storms should also be developed. In this regard, the implementation of the Presidential Resolution of the Republic of Uzbekistan on “Immediate Measures to Combat Dust Storms and Improve Air Quality” is of significant importance.
In accordance with this, cooperation with developed countries abroad is being established to combat dust storms and mitigate their consequences. Scientific foundations for the rational use of pastures are also being developed, local pasture plant varieties are being created, and scientific principles for sowing pasture crops and adaptive systems for intensive fodder production in desert conditions are being devised. Identification of degraded pasture areas, conducting geobotanical, soil, and reclamation studies, as well as creating their electronic maps, are also underway. Within this framework, a series of practical measures aimed at increasing green spaces is being implemented, including the establishment of new intensive orchards and vineyards to replace unprofitable and outdated, rarely exploited gardens and vineyards in the regions.
As indicated in the resolution, the National Program for Combating Dust Storms and Mitigating Their Consequences in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2024-2030 has been developed, as well as the “Program of Measures to be Implemented in 2024-2030 to Reduce the Negative Impact of Afghan Winds and Improve the Ecological Situation in the Surkhandarya Region,” as specified in paragraph 14 of the Program. According to this program, new intensive orchards and vineyards are to be established on the sites of low-yielding, old, and underexploited gardens and vineyards in areas threatened by Afghan winds. Modern technologies such as drip irrigation and trellis installation for vineyards will be applied, and a series of measures, including the introduction of other intensive methods, will also be developed.
In accordance with the Presidential Resolution of February 22, 2019, No. PP-4204, “On Measures to Enhance the Effectiveness of Work to Combat Desertification and Drought in the Republic of Uzbekistan,” numerous systemic measures have been implemented in the country. In particular, there are 21.2 million hectares of pastures in the republic, of which 16.6 million hectares are desert pastures and 4.5 million hectares are mountain and foothill pastures.
Of the total pasture area, 16.3 million hectares are in permanent use by the Committee for the Development of Silk Production and Wool Industry under the Ministry of Agriculture, 3.1 million hectares have been allocated from the forest fund, and the remaining 1.8 million hectares belong to other organizations.
Geobotanical studies on pastures are conducted by the State Scientific and Design Institute “Uzdaverlokha” under the Ministry of Agriculture with funding from the state budget allocated annually.
In particular, geobotanical studies have been conducted on 16.8 million hectares of pastures in the republic. It has been established that 13 percent of the pastures have undergone degradation, while 32 percent of the pastures have shown a sharp reduction in vegetation cover.
By the end of 2024, it is planned to complete geobotanical studies on 4.2 million hectares of pastures, develop their electronic digital maps, and prepare recommendations for improving the condition of these pastures, increasing vegetation cover, and restoring degraded areas.
According to conducted studies, there are 2,908 water management facilities in pasture areas, of which 1,014 are vertical wells, and 1,894 are shaft wells.
In particular, the Republic of Karakalpakstan has 535 wells, Bukhara Region has 396 wells, Jizzakh Region has 338 wells, Kashkadarya Region has 303 wells, Navoi Region has 1,052 wells, Samarkand Region has 210 wells, Surkhandarya Region has 71 wells, and Khorezm Region has 3 wells. Of these, 167 new water extraction facilities were established in 2023-2024, and 36 water-saving units were installed.
This year, 21 billion sums are planned to be allocated from the state budget as subsidies for the creation of irrigation wells.
In 2024-2026, measures will be taken to restore 677,000 hectares of degraded pastures and ensure compliance with environmental protection requirements on pasture lands, which are one of the main feed bases for livestock. On these pastures, sowing of nutrient plants suitable for desert-pasture conditions will be organized, and a system of rotational grazing will be implemented in areas with reduced vegetation cover. Sowing will be carried out using delta planes and other unmanned aerial vehicles.
To improve the condition of degraded pastures, a system of small ponds (micro-basins) and underground “pockets” is being created using the Italian plow unit Delfino 3, which will accumulate rainwater and water flows, as well as other resources such as light soil, organic matter, and seeds.
The application of this system allows for complete accumulation of rainwater in micro-basins, significant reduction of evaporation, increased productivity of pasture grasses, and preservation of biodiversity in pastures.
To address the negative impacts of climate change, large-scale work has been carried out within the framework of the nationwide project “Yashil Makon.” In particular, according to government decree No. 144-F dated March 7, 2024, in spring 2024, 65 million trees and shrubs are planned to be planted.
In Practice, 66.6 Million Seedlings Have Been Planted. Of these, farmer and cluster farms along the edges of fields planted 36.4 million ornamental trees, while newly established orchards and vineyards accounted for 30.1 million seedlings. In the autumn of 2024, farmer and cluster farms plan to plant 37.4 million seedlings and cuttings.
Currently, there are 59 nursery farms operating in the regions, which have prepared a total of 22.4 million seedlings for creating new orchards and vineyards in the autumn months of this year, including 9.4 million fruit seedlings and 13 million grape seedlings. Uzbekistan has transformed from an importer of seedlings into one of the exporting countries: over the past three years, 7.5 million seedlings (worth $2.8 million) of fruits and other plants have been exported.
Across the republic, there are 358,000 hectares of orchards and 196,000 hectares of vineyards. In 2024, the Republic of Karakalpakstan and other regions plan to establish 26,400 hectares of fruit orchards and 101,000 hectares of vineyards. Additionally, the creation of 43,200 hectares of industrial orchards and vineyards will be organized in the autumn of 2024 and in 2025.
At the same time, the government of Uzbekistan supports the implementation of joint measures with partner countries aimed at mitigating the negative effects of climate change not only at the national or regional level but also on a global scale. In this regard, significant initiatives are being carried out in neighboring Tajikistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan to create friendship parks. These projects are important as they help to prevent global problems such as climate change and ensure food security.
In summary, today all countries in the world are experiencing the negative consequences of climate change. Therefore, in the fight against this problem, achieving the set goals is possible not only through the joint efforts of neighboring states but also through effective cooperation among all countries of the world.
Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov,
Minister of Agriculture of the
Republic of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is implementing important initiatives in the field of climate change
The next United Nations Climate Change Conference— COP29 - will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22 this year. Uzbekistan will actively participate in this event with proposals and initiatives aimed at effectively solving climate problems.
It is worth noting that the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, at the COP28 Conference held in Dubai (UAE) noted that it is possible to effectively combat climate change only by combining efforts and broad international cooperation, and put forward a number of initiatives. In particular, the head of state stressed that Uzbekistan stands for the early coordination of the Global Framework Mechanism in the field of Adaptation to Climate Change within the framework of the Paris Agreement and said that an Adaptation Strategy is being developed on the platform of the Central Asian Dialogue on Climate Change.
This initiative has been successfully implemented over the past period. The "Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in Central Asia" was developed by the countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan within the framework of the project of the German Society for International Cooperation with the support of the Green Central Asia initiative.
The High-Level "Central Asian Dialogue on Climate Change and Resilience" has been formed, consisting of ministers and deputy ministers of environmental protection agencies of Central Asia.
Also at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, a pavilion of Central Asian countries was organized, where events were held on a number of topics related to the climate agenda. Within the framework of COP 28, the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Central Asia and the Regional Statement of the Central Asian Countries were presented.
The participants of the "Central Asian Dialogue on Climate Change and Resilience" took an active part in the events organized within the framework of the conference. The issue of promoting the initiative to create a Central Asian negotiating Group to participate in the negotiation processes of the conferences of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was considered.
On May 27, 2024, meetings of the Working Group on the Implementation of the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Central Asia were held in Almaty and on July 25 in Tashkent.
In addition, during Cop28, the President noted the need for widespread use of scientific achievements in the fight against climate change and took the initiative to create a Climate Science Forum (residence) on the basis of the "Green University" in Tashkent and study within its framework the problems of land degradation, water use, and food security.
In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated July 23, 2024 No. 106 “On the establishment of the Climate Council under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, as well as in order to increase scientific and academic potential and develop fundamental research, a Climate Residence was established at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University). Currently, its concept, the charter, and the conditions of admission to the scientific residence have been developed.
Today, the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL) and the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development have applied to participate in the research residency.
In addition, the head of our state put forward a number of initiatives at Cop28, such as the global transition to a low-carbon economy, the transformation of the Aral Sea region from an environmental crisis zone into a "zone of innovation, technology, and new opportunities" based on a resolution of the UN General Assembly, and the creation of an international expo hub for climate technologies here. Practical actions regarding these initiatives are also underway today.
In particular, in connection with the creation of the international Exhibition Center for Climate Technologies, the Ministry of Ecology has developed the concept of the International Innovation Center for Climate Technologies of the Aral Sea region. A conceptual presentation and technical conditions have been prepared for the selection of a contractor for the development of a master plan of the territory. Negotiations were held with international companies specializing in territorial planning.
At the same time, a draft resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “On additional measures to introduce environmental innovations and climate technologies in the Aral Sea region for the period up to 2030," has been prepared. Practical efforts on this and other initiatives are currently ongoing.
At the same time, a draft Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On additional measures to introduce environmental innovations and climate technologies in the Aral Sea region for the period up to 2030" has been prepared. According to the project, in order to support "Ecological entrepreneurship", it is planned to create an "Expo hub" of climate technologies, "Aral Valley" (The Aral Valley), specializing in the cultivation of plant species resistant to local climatic conditions, processing, and production of export products. In addition, it is planned to organize an international selection of startup projects for the cultivation, import, and creation of plantations of seeds and seedlings of ecological products, attract local and foreign investors to implement projects, and create and support the allocation of preferential loans for these enterprises. At the same time, it is planned to organize the Climate Expo exhibition dedicated to ensuring climate stability and environmental problems in the Aral Sea region, involve the international community in the sustainable development of the "Priaralye", as well as create an open-air "Aral Nature Laboratory" in the Muynak district.
Based on suggestions and recommendations, the planned activities may undergo additions and changes to further improve the draft resolution.
The head of our state will also put forward a number of relevant initiatives within the framework of COP 29, which is hosted by Baku. Uzbekistan will undoubtedly make every effort and opportunity to implement these initiatives, overcome climate problems and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Decarbonization Potential of Uzbekistan's Economy
Amidst the global shift towards a low-carbon economy, Uzbekistan recognizes the need for active measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
For Uzbekistan, decarbonizing the economy is a strategically crucial task that will encompass all key sectors, from energy and industry to transportation and agriculture.
Uzbekistan’s Commitments under the Paris Agreement
Under the Paris Climate Agreement, at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow (COP26), Uzbekistan committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels (previously, this reduction target was set at 10%). To achieve this goal, the development of a National Low-Carbon Development Strategy is planned.
As President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated at the COP28 Summit held in December 2023, “The global transition to a low-carbon economy must be fair, transparent, and inclusive. The shift to a ‘green’ economy and achieving carbon neutrality are top strategic priorities of the New Uzbekistan.”
Decarbonizing Uzbekistan’s economy represents a vital step toward sustainable development and combating climate change. Achieving the set goals requires a comprehensive approach.
Energy Market Liberalization as a Key Step toward Decarbonization of Uzbekistan's Economy
The main sources of emissions across Uzbekistan’s economy are the energy sector (76%), agriculture (18%), industry (5%), and waste (1%).
At the same time, it is estimated that by 2030, the country’s electricity demand will reach 120 billion kWh.
In this regard, one of Uzbekistan’s primary steps to accelerate decarbonization efforts has been the liberalization of the energy market. The energy market liberalization initiative is tied to the Presidential Decree on the "Strategy for the Development of New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026," which aims to end the monopoly on electricity supply and introduce market mechanisms.
Additionally, there is a goal to create a unified electricity trading platform and launch it by the end of 2024. By 2026, a free wholesale market is expected to be implemented, based on supply and demand for electricity.
This will contribute to energy savings and create a favorable environment for the private sector to invest in renewable energy sources.
Achieving the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy to 25% of total generation by 2026 will allow Uzbekistan to save natural gas and prevent a CO2 emissions increase of 37.4 million tons. Overall, Uzbekistan aims to raise the share of “green” energy to 40% by 2030.
Additionally, implementing measures to reduce CO2 emissions in Uzbekistan’s economy will help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and support “green” growth. This is a key priority for the government of Uzbekistan and international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the IMF.
Decarbonization Prospects
As mentioned above, the energy sector is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, large-scale transformations are underway in this area aimed, first, at modernizing existing gas-powered thermal plants to increase efficiency and reduce energy intensity; and second, at developing and widely implementing renewable energy systems.
In the coming years, the country has set several specific goals and objectives aimed at sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in particular:
- exploring the feasibility of implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in industry and energy;
- introducing advanced waste management practices and utilizing biogas from agricultural waste;
- implementing Uzbekistan's decarbonization strategy for transportation, which includes transitioning to electric vehicles, developing rail transportation, and improving public transit;
- establishing a favorable regulatory framework to support “green” projects, including economic incentives, subsidies, and tax benefits for investors in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies;
- actively developing public-private partnerships in the construction and modernization of environmentally sustainable infrastructure;
- strengthening the professional training system for specialists in renewable energy, environmental monitoring, and decarbonization project management.
Conclusion
In the long term, Uzbekistan plans not only to maintain the pace of decarbonization but also to develop an advanced regulatory and incentive system for low-carbon projects, including the integration of modern approaches and digital technologies for emissions monitoring.
In the near future, the region will face many challenges, but with a comprehensive approach and clearly defined strategic objectives, Uzbekistan can serve as a model for other Central Asian countries in sustainable development and decarbonization.
Ultimately, the successful implementation of all planned measures will lead to an improved quality of life for the population, an enhanced environmental situation, and long-term economic stability for the entire region.
Public Relations Sector
Center for Economic Research and Reforms
Prospects for a “Green” Energy Transition in Uzbekistan
In recent years, Uzbekistan has shown a steady increase in interest toward developing renewable energy sources (RES) and “green” energy, driven by the government’s strategic priorities in sustainable development and environmental security.
At the COP28 Summit in Dubai in December 2023, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented several initiatives aimed at accelerating the “green” transition, emphasizing the importance of diversifying the country’s energy balance and reducing its carbon footprint. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s commitment to increasing the share of renewables and promoting sustainable development, as well as strengthening international cooperation to support national and regional programs.
Within the Framework of the SDGs
A key guide for long-term development in many countries has been the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2015, titled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among the goals related to energy is Goal 7, which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030, significantly increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
In Uzbekistan, the SDGs are being implemented in accordance with government decisions. On February 21, 2022, a Resolution “On Additional Measures to Accelerate the Implementation of National Goals and Objectives in the Field of Sustainable Development for the period up to 2030” was adopted, which approved measures to achieve the SDGs, including a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy balance and a doubling of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
Energy Policy Priorities
Given the projected dynamics of Uzbekistan's economic development up to 2030, annual electricity consumption growth is expected to be around 6-7%. At the same time, according to OECD data, Uzbekistan's energy intensity is approximately 2.5 times higher than the average for developed countries.
In this regard, Uzbekistan’s energy policy is focused on improving energy efficiency across economic sectors and social spheres, as well as the widespread adoption of energy-saving technologies and renewable energy sources.
In recent years, the government has adopted a series of decisions aimed at significantly reducing the energy intensity of various sectors, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy. Government support measures have been introduced, and state standards have been revised and approved to enhance energy efficiency.
In 2019, the Laws “On Public-Private Partnership” and “On the Use of Renewable Energy Sources” were enacted, enabling the attraction of direct foreign investment from leading international companies with advanced innovative technologies as independent power producers in the electricity generation market. The Law “On the Use of Renewable Energy Sources” also provides renewable energy producers with several benefits and incentives.
As a result of subsequent amendments to legislative acts, long-term targets have been set for renewable energy deployment, specifically to increase the share of “green” energy to 40% of total electricity generation by 2030, along with state support measures for their implementation.
In 2022, the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, developed a 10-year power supply plan for Uzbekistan. Implementation of this plan will lead to the creation of additional energy capacities by 2030, including 5 GW of solar energy, 1.9 GW of hydropower, and up to 3 GW of wind energy.
Contribution to Emissions Reduction
An important aspect of the “green” transition is the work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Uzbekistan has significant potential for further emissions reduction. Notably, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) conducted a study assessing Uzbekistan’s emissions reduction potential through 2030 based on strategic goals.
The analysis showed that the majority of CO2 emissions in Uzbekistan are from the extraction, processing, and transportation of natural gas.
Additionally, with the dynamic growth in population and economy, Uzbekistan’s electricity demand is expected to reach 120 billion kWh by 2030.
Based on the study’s findings, experts believe that meeting this demand through traditional gas and coal combustion methods would require an additional 13.7 billion cubic meters of gas by that time. However, if the share of renewable energy reaches 25% of total generation by 2026, this shift towards “green” electricity supply will save additional gas volumes and prevent a 37.4-million-ton increase in CO2 emissions.
Potential for Achieving Goals
One of the key achievements in the “green” agenda has been attracting major international investors, such as Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and the UAE’s Masdar. These companies are already implementing projects to build solar and wind power plants, which will provide over 5 GW of total capacity, significantly increasing the generation of clean energy.
Positive trends in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector include not only the active attraction of foreign capital and technology but also the improvement of the regulatory framework, creating favorable conditions for the accelerated development of “green” projects.
In recent years, the government has introduced a range of incentives, such as tax benefits for renewable energy projects and subsidies for purchasing equipment, which stimulates sector growth and attracts small and medium-sized businesses. As a result, the renewable energy sector is becoming more accessible to private investors and the public, who are increasingly interested in installing solar panels and participating in energy efficiency programs.
Future Plans
Uzbekistan demonstrates ambitious plans for the development of “green” energy, renewable energy sources, and energy-saving technologies, aiming to substantially increase their share in the overall energy balance.
There is a focus on constructing solar and wind power plants using advanced technologies, such as high-efficiency panels and energy storage systems, which will help stabilize the power supply and increase the share of renewable energy during peak hours.
As part of Uzbekistan’s long-term strategy, the country aims not only to develop renewable energy sources but also to promote the localization of component production for solar and wind power plants. This will create new jobs, improve economic conditions in the region, and ensure resilience to fluctuations in global energy prices.
At the same time, significant efforts are being made to develop energy transmission and distribution infrastructure, enabling the creation of regional energy corridors and improving the country’s export capabilities. Investment in energy infrastructure is an important area that opens up new opportunities for companies involved in the construction and management of transportation infrastructure.
In the context of resource shortages and rising energy demand in Central Asia, investing in sustainable energy projects in Uzbekistan offers high prospects for long-term growth and return on investment.
Overall, positive trends in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector include a steady flow of investments, a favorable business environment, the adoption of modern technologies, and improvements in energy efficiency.
The country is moving towards a sustainable energy future, which will not only meet its domestic needs but also position it as a significant player in the Central Asian energy market.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan is known as a sunny country, and this is the primary argument for developing such a crucial area in renewable energy generation as solar photovoltaic power plants.
There is significant solar energy potential in the southwestern, southern, and central parts of the republic, particularly in the Navoi, Bukhara, Samarkand, Surkhandarya, and Jizzakh regions.
The International Solar Energy Institute of Uzbekistan has estimated the technical potential for electricity generation from solar energy in Uzbekistan at more than 3000 TWh per year, which significantly exceeds the projected electricity demand by 2050.
According to foreign experts, Uzbekistan also has high wind energy potential in the northwestern and southwestern parts of the republic, particularly in Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, and Navoi regions. In Uzbekistan’s “roadmap” for transitioning to low-carbon energy, wind energy potential is estimated at 500 GW.
In the future, Uzbekistan could become one of the leading countries in the region in sustainable development and low-carbon economy. This path involves a range of complex and ambitious goals aimed at improving the environment, raising the population’s standard of living, and ensuring stable economic growth. Through a proactive approach, the country is already seeing initial results in its “green” energy transition and plans even deeper transformations, including the modernization of all key sectors of the economy.
Uzbekistan is moving toward creating a cleaner and more innovative economy, positioning the country to become a leader in sustainable development in Central Asia.
The implementation of these plans will lay a strong foundation for future generations, ensure resource conservation, and open up opportunities for further development of new “green” industries, fostering scientific research and innovation.
Edvard Romanov,
Center for Economic Research and Reforms
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