Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity production to 40% by 2030

Today, many countries are radically reassessing their policies in transitioning from a traditional model—where environmental protection is considered a burden on the economy—to a green alternative that serves as a driver of sustainable ecological development.

According to available data, 34 billion tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere annually, while total greenhouse gas emissions amount to 41 billion tons. These figures have increased 3.8 times compared to the 1950s. Moreover, the depletion and reduction of hydrocarbon energy resources necessitate urgent measures for the development of alternative energy, making this issue both relevant and pressing. In this context, the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources is rapidly expanding worldwide. The total installed capacity of renewable energy systems reached 3,372 gigawatts in 2022 and increased to 3,700 GW by 2023. This includes a 21 GW increase in hydropower capacity, 75 GW in wind energy, 191 GW in solar energy, 7.6 GW in bioenergy, and 181 MW in geothermal energy.

As of the end of 2024, the total capacity of renewable energy systems worldwide stands at 4,600 GW. Last year, China set record figures in this sector, increasing solar energy capacity by 18% and wind energy capacity by 45%.

Currently, as energy demand continues to grow, many developed countries (including the United States, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and several European nations) are experiencing energy shortages.

Uzbekistan produces 81 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Given the rapid economic growth (GDP increasing by an average of 5-6% per year) and an annual population growth of 700,000-800,000 people, energy demand is also increasing proportionally. Our calculations show that by 2030, energy demand will reach at least 125-130 billion kilowatt-hours per year. Under these conditions, as part of the ongoing and phased reforms in Uzbekistan’s public and governmental sectors, goals have been set to accelerate the transition to a green economy and effectively achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The development of renewable energy plays a key role in Uzbekistan’s energy sector, as the country possesses vast natural resources. Extensive efforts are being made to implement renewable energy sources. A legal framework for alternative energy has been established. In 2019, the Law “On the Use of Renewable Energy Sources” was adopted, along with important presidential decrees and resolutions.

As a result of systematic efforts, by 2024, the total renewable energy capacity in Uzbekistan reached 4,500 MW, accounting for 16% of the total energy sector. In just the past year, nearly one billion cubic meters of natural gas were saved due to renewable energy sources, preventing the emission of 1.4 million tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

According to the “Uzbekistan 2030” Strategy, the country plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 40% of total electricity production by 2030. At the same time, to ensure energy security, the following measures must be implemented:

Further diversification of the energy sector;
Introduction of new advanced alternative energy sources, including the widespread use of efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel (the advantage of hydrogen as a fuel is that its combustion produces not only clean water vapor but also yields more energy than organic fuels; burning one ton of hydrogen releases the same amount of heat as burning 3.5 tons of organic fuel);
Transitioning certain facilities to autonomous (local) power supply systems, as transmission losses over long distances average 18%;
Large-scale localization of solar panel and wind generator production;
Accelerating scientific research to improve the efficiency of renewable energy use;
Organizing large-scale installation of solar collectors (vacuum collectors are best suited for Uzbekistan’s climate) for heating and hot water supply;
Inventorying high-energy-consuming technologies, as Uzbekistan currently spends 2-3 times more energy per unit of production than developed countries;
Enhancing the efficiency of landfill gas utilization technologies;
Cultivating a culture of rational electricity and heat consumption among the population.

It is crucial for people to trust in the results of energy sector reforms. At the same time, society and the government must foster a responsible attitude toward the consumption of natural resources, recognizing their limited availability and the need for careful use.

Guest writers:

Bory Alikhanov,
Narimon Umarov,
Members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan