Uzbek Energy Ministry has announced the signing of a new Presidential Decree on measures for the development of renewable and hydrogen energy in Uzbekistan that will lead to the construction of a hydrogen energy infrastructure, driving energy efficiency and security in the Central Asian country. This Decree follows an agreement signed earlier this year between the Uzbekistan Energy Ministry, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and US’ Air Products for the development of hydrogen and renewable energy in Uzbekistan. The Decree has considered structural changes in demand for energy resources, and focuses on the development of hydrogen energy, which alongside renewable energy sources, are environmentally friendly and can help Uzbekistan achieve a green economy. The announcement builds upon existing measures taken by Uzbekistan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy/resource consumption via energy-saving technologies, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. The Decree outlines measures to support a widespread introduction of innovative technologies to develop hydrogen energy and renewable energy sources; build a hydrogen energy infrastructure to promote energy efficiency and security; and enable Uzbekistan’s transition to a green economy.
Proposed hydrogen energy infrastructure, and introduction of further renewable energy sources into Uzbekistan’s energy mix, requires the implementation of scientific research. This research will be carried out by the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources. In the fields of hydrogen energy and renewable energy, the Institute will implement scientific and practical research; develop innovative projects; analyze modern global development trends; and seek to achieve technological leadership in infrastructure provision. A research center for hydrogen energy, and a laboratory for testing and certification of renewable and hydrogen energy technologies, will also be created as part of the Institute. In 2018, Uzbekistan ratified the Paris Agreement with the aim of developing clean energy sources, committing to reduce specific greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 10% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.