Uzbekistan takes the issues of low-carbon energy strategy, climate change and the reduction of carbon emissions very seriously. In line with the recommendations of the United Nations Climate Change Convention, the government of Uzbekistan is committed to improving energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the country’s energy mix. Uzbek Energy Ministry, together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and international consulting company Mott MacDonald, is working on a comprehensive carbon reduction strategy for Uzbekistan. The current energy production system in Uzbekistan needs modernization as it has significant potential for improvement and is heavily dependent on natural gas. Uzbekistan is determined to develop alternative energy sources, including solar, hydro and wind, to generate electricity with low carbon emissions.
A ten-year electricity plan for Uzbekistan, developed jointly with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. By 2030, this will lead to the creation of additional energy capacity, which will include 5 GW of solar energy, 1.9 GW of hydropower and up to 3 GW of wind power. By 2030 Uzbekistan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% from the 2010 level, achieve a twofold increase in energy efficiency indicators and a decrease in the carbon intensity of GDP, further development of renewable energy sources with an increase of up to more than 25% of the total electricity production, diversify energy consumption and develop the use of renewable energy sources, continue its efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve the efficiency of natural resource use and conserve natural ecosystems and develop mechanisms for financial and non-financial support for a green economy. Uzbekistan is currently undergoing a major transformation and privatization program involving the sale of 60 large industrial enterprises, and the sale of shares in more than 400 state-owned companies can be expected in the near future.