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Uzbekistan’s Green Energy Strategy Targets 40% Renewable Output by 2030


Tue 05 Nov 2024 | 07:26 PM
H-Tayea

Uzbekistan is advancing the development of renewable energy as a core component of its national growth strategy, driven by the recently adopted “Green Economy and Green Growth Program” (2022-2030). This ambitious initiative aims to significantly expand renewable energy production, improve energy efficiency by at least 20% across industries, and reduce the country’s energy intensity per GDP unit by 30%. By 2030, Uzbekistan intends to increase renewable energy capacity to 27 gigawatts, which would elevate renewables to 40% of the national energy mix, helping reduce harmful emissions by 34 million tons annually.

Uzbekistan’s renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind, hold vast potential—estimated to be 10-12 times greater than current national energy demands. With solar power plants across Bukhara, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Navoi, Samarkand, and Surkhandarya generating 1.6 gigawatts, and hydroelectric projects adding 183 megawatts in Andijan, Samarkand, Surkhandarya, and Tashkent, the country has already made considerable progress. The government’s commitment to renewable growth has also included installing solar panels at social facilities and businesses, with an output capacity of 457 megawatts.

Additionally, Uzbekistan’s green energy sector has attracted substantial foreign investment, totaling $8 billion in recent years, with ongoing projects worth another $13 billion. Collaborations with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, France, and Switzerland are already underway to build additional green power plants and energy storage systems. The country plans to add 2.6 gigawatts in solar power, 900 megawatts in wind power, and 400 megawatts in energy storage capacity by 2024.

Uzbekistan is also prioritizing public engagement in renewable energy through initiatives like the “Solar Home” program, which incentivizes residents to install solar panels by offering 1,000 soums per kilowatt produced. With more than 11,000 homes already participating, the program illustrates Uzbekistan’s commitment to involving citizens in the green energy transition.

Economic and Environmental Impact of Green Energy Growth in Uzbekistan

The transition to renewable energy is seen as essential for Uzbekistan, where climate change and fossil fuel depletion pose significant challenges. Renewable energy has proven not only to save resources but also to unlock economic potential, as demonstrated by projections showing that renewable energy could save 3 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually—enough to supply 1 million households or generate an additional 15 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The positive economic impact of renewable energy extends to exports, manufacturing, and job creation. Uzbekistan’s expanding green energy sector has spurred growth in industries producing transformers, cables, heat collectors, solar panels, and more. As the main foreign supplier of electricity to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan exported over $90 million worth of electricity to its neighbor in 2023, contributing to regional stability.

Regional Cooperation and Global Climate Commitments

Uzbekistan is also emerging as a regional leader in renewable energy. In 2023, Uzbekistan signed a joint communiqué with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to explore exporting renewable energy to Europe, potentially opening up new markets and strengthening regional ties. As the country works toward its 2030 targets, Uzbekistan is fully aligned with international climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement, and is actively addressing climate change impacts through green energy development.

Future Prospects for Uzbekistan’s Green Energy Sector

With its rising population and fast-paced economic growth—GDP increased from $69.2 billion to $91 billion from 2021 to 2023—Uzbekistan is set to reach a GDP of $160 billion and a population of 40 million by 2030. Meeting the country’s growing electricity needs will require a continued shift to renewable sources, which are expected to support energy stability and create sustainable job opportunities.

Despite the scale of this transformation, Uzbekistan’s gradual shift to green energy underscores a forward-looking strategy to ensure sustainable economic growth, rational resource use, and a cleaner environment for future generations. The country's commitment to green energy demonstrates a serious, pragmatic approach to climate challenges, economic resilience, and sustainable development.