Deputies Discuss the Development of Renewable Energy in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the latest plenary session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, deputies reviewed the response of the Minister of Energy to a parliamentary inquiry regarding measures to expand the use of renewable energy sources and the installation of solar panels.

The report highlighted that currently, Uzbekistan generates “green” energy at 12 solar and five wind power plants with a total capacity of 4,682 megawatts. To ensure the stability of the energy system, three energy storage systems have been put into operation.

In accordance with the Presidential Decree of 16 February 2023, “On Measures to Accelerate the Implementation of Renewable Energy Sources and Energy-Saving Technologies in 2023,” the country has installed solar panels with a total capacity of 1,857 megawatts and solar collectors with a capacity of 4.8 million liters.

As a result, Uzbekistan has saved 2.21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 669.7 million cubic meters of natural gas, while preventing the emission of 875,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Currently, the country has seven enterprises producing solar panels with a combined capacity of 770 megawatts, significantly higher than last year’s level. In addition, five domestic factories producing solar water heaters have been established.

The minister’s response also noted that several foreign companies plan to build factories in Uzbekistan for manufacturing components for wind turbines, including blades and towers.

Specifically, a blade production project is underway in the Zaamin district of Jizzakh region, and a tower manufacturing project is being implemented in the Kungrad district of Karakalpakstan. By 2030, the total capacity of solar power plants is expected to reach 9.4 gigawatts.

Deputies emphasized that despite the progress in renewable energy, certain issues still require attention.

In particular, they proposed accelerating the installation of solar panels, expanding the use of wind energy, establishing domestic production of wind turbines and solar collectors, and developing measures for the environmentally safe disposal of worn-out solar panels.

Parliamentarians also highlighted the need to raise public awareness about the benefits of “green” energy and to establish continuous parliamentary oversight of program implementation.

The minister’s response was taken into consideration.