Uzbekistan Unveils State Program for Environmental Protection and Green Economy
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a high-level meeting to review the draft State Program for the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy. The initiative represents Uzbekistan’s commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development through innovative strategies and resource optimization.
Uzbekistan has already made significant progress in its green transition. Over the past three years, 16 large solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of 3.5 gigawatts have been commissioned, alongside 35 small hydropower plants. Additionally, over 60,000 homes have been equipped with solar panels, and a green energy certification system has been implemented for the industrial sector. Large-scale afforestation efforts under the “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) program have also contributed to the nation’s environmental agenda.
The draft state program, declared the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy for 2025, underwent public consultation, with 11 million citizens reviewing the document. Over 100 proposals from the public were incorporated, reflecting widespread engagement. International organizations, including UN agencies, have expressed interest in collaborating on its implementation.
Energy as a Core Focus
A key priority of the program is increasing the share of green energy in Uzbekistan’s power capacity. Currently at 16 percent, the goal for 2024 is to raise this figure to 26 percent. Plans include commissioning 16 additional solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of 3.5 gigawatts, five hydropower plants with a capacity of 160 megawatts, and energy storage facilities with a capacity of 1.8 gigawatts. The President also instructed the development of energy projects with an additional capacity of 1 gigawatt.
To promote solar energy, 2 trillion UZS in loans will be allocated for installations at state enterprises, industrial complexes, and residential buildings. Heat pump technology, successfully implemented in Syrdarya’s School No. 19, will be expanded to schools, hospitals, and kindergartens.
Boosting Economic Growth Through Green Practices
Uzbekistan aims to maintain economic growth at 6 percent in 2024, targeting a GDP exceeding $125 billion. To achieve this, energy efficiency and cost reduction will be emphasized, with the Deputy Prime Minister tasked with creating a program to reduce costs by 15–20 percent while increasing added value.
Energy audits and energy-saving technologies will be implemented at 400 major energy-intensive enterprises. This year, 15 percent of industrial and infrastructure projects will meet environmental standards, with the figure projected to rise to 55 percent by 2030. Support for low-carbon projects will be bolstered by $300 million in funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and other institutions.
“Yashil Makon” and Green Initiatives
The “Yashil Makon” program continues its ambitious goal of planting 200 million trees annually. Since its launch, 698 gardens, 316 public parks, and approximately 2 million hectares of green areas on the dried Aral Sea bed have been created. In 2024, 18 forestry enterprises specializing in seedling cultivation will be established, producing 123 million seedlings. A new digital platform, “Yashil Olam” (Green World), will allow users to purchase seedlings online.
Businesses adopting eco-friendly practices will receive “Green Entrepreneur” status, granting them support in obtaining green certification and exploring international markets.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized that transitioning to a resource-efficient economic model is essential for Uzbekistan’s future. The State Program aims to cement the country’s leadership in green energy and environmental protection, fostering sustainable growth while contributing to global climate action.
