WNAM MONITORING: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on the draft State Program for the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.
Today, the negative consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly evident worldwide. Anticipating these challenges, Uzbekistan is actively transitioning to a green economy.
Over the past three years, 16 large solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3.5 gigawatts have been commissioned across the regions, along with 35 small hydropower plants. In the industrial sector, a green energy certification system has been introduced. The number of homes equipped with solar panels has exceeded 60,000. Large-scale afforestation efforts are conducted annually as part of the “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) program. Additionally, water resources are being managed through rational approaches.
2025 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy in Uzbekistan. In this regard, a draft state program was developed and underwent public discussion for a month. 11 million citizens reviewed the document, and over 100 of the most relevant proposals were incorporated into the program. UN agencies and representatives of other international organizations have expressed their willingness to collaborate in its implementation.
One of the key priorities of the state program is energy.
Thanks to active efforts in recent years, the share of green energy in Uzbekistan’s total power capacity has reached 16 percent. This year, the goal is to increase this figure to 26 percent. To achieve this, an additional 16 large solar and wind power plants with a capacity of 3.5 gigawatts, five major hydropower plants with a capacity of 160 megawatts, and energy storage facilities with a capacity of 1.8 gigawatts will be commissioned.
The Head of state instructed the development of additional energy projects with a capacity of 1 gigawatt.
Solar panel installations will continue to be promoted at state enterprises, industrial and service complexes, and residential buildings. To support this initiative, 2 trillion UZS in loans will be allocated.
Based on the experience of School No. 19 in Bayavut district of Syrdarya region, the implementation of heat pumps will be expanded in kindergartens, schools, and hospitals.
The green economy is not only about developing clean energy but also about enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors.
This year, the goal is to maintain economic growth at no less than 6 percent and increase the gross domestic product (GDP) to over $125 billion. Rational resource use and cost savings will be key factors to achieve this.
In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy and Finance has been tasked with developing a program to reduce costs by 15-20 percent and increase added value through energy efficiency measures.
The Head of state emphasized that it is time to transition to a resource-saving economic model.
For instance, in electrical engineering, automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food production sectors, the value added per ton of energy consumed is 15-20 times higher than in the chemical, construction, and textile industries.
The task has been set to develop industries with low energy consumption and high added value while ensuring resource conservation in the aforementioned sectors. It has been decided to conduct energy audits and implement energy-saving technologies at 400 major high-energy-consuming enterprises.
Soon, developed countries will only purchase products manufactured using green technologies. Therefore, this issue is already receiving special attention. This year, 15 percent of industrial and infrastructure projects will be environmentally friendly. By 2027, their share is expected to reach 30 percent, and by 2030, it will increase to 55 percent. To support low-carbon projects, $300 million will be attracted from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and other organizations.
Equipment and components worth $4 billion will be manufactured domestically in constructing energy complexes. This will increase the green component share in significant projects from 25 percent to 31 percent.
As part of the “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) program, 200 million trees are planted annually. Over the past three years, 698 gardens and 316 public parks have been established. Additionally, green areas covering approximately 2 million hectares have been created on the dried-up part of the Aral Sea.
Continuing these efforts, 18 forestry enterprises specializing in seedling cultivation will be established this year. Under the “science – project – practice” principle, breeding programs will be strengthened, and seed laboratories, intensive experimental plots, and mother plantations will be developed.
These forestry enterprises are expected to grow 123 million seedlings this year. The “Yashil Olam” (Green World) platform will also be launched, allowing users to purchase seedlings online.
Businesses that green their premises and use eco-friendly equipment and materials in production will be granted “Green Entrepreneur” status. This designation will be considered in entrepreneurial rankings, and such businesses will receive comprehensive support in obtaining green certification and exploring new markets.
At the meeting, responsible officials reported on the key tasks outlined in the draft state program and presented plans for its implementation.
