Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 27 April 2022, under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan, the 4th meeting of the Group of Experts of the countries participating in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on renewable energy sources of the region was held online.

In his statement, ECO Secretary General Khusrav Noziri expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan for hosting this important event.

“I am confident that our cooperation will allow us to revise the ECO energy agenda on renewable energy and energy efficiency, reviving the goals set, based on the common interests of the member states and covering current and future prospects for regional cooperation in the transition to sustainable energy,” said the head of the ECO.

Noziri also emphasized the importance of developing regional cooperation for the transition to sustainable energy in the ECO region.

“In particular, cross-border cooperation and interconnected energy systems can reduce energy costs, increase reliability and reduce carbon emissions at a lower cost, while increasing the share and synergy between clean energy resources, especially hydro, wind and solar,” he said.

During the meeting, UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) Senior Adviser Mr. Alfred Hatzenburg made an extensive presentation on energy efficiency and its role in improving the climate and reducing emissions as an invited speaker.

Uzbekistan in the next 10 years aims to increase the share of renewable energy by 3 times.

The republic plans to double electricity generation by 2030, that is, up to 32 GW, and ensure that at least 25 percent of electricity comes from RES. This was noted at the meeting by the Deputy Minister of Energy Sherzod Khodjaev.

The Research Institute for the Development of RES and Applied Hydrogen Energy has been established under the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan. In the development of these areas, the republic relies on international cooperation.

Sh. Khodjaev stressed that each country should choose its own path of energy transition, based on the best world practices. To achieve green growth and decarbonisation, the importance of a pragmatic energy transition must also be taken into account.

During the meeting, representatives of the ECO member countries exchanged experience in the field of renewable energy development and outlined ways for further development of cooperation in the field of renewable energy.