Transition to “Green” Economy in Uzbekistan Could Create Up to 1.8 Million Jobs by 2060

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a “green” economy, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2055. At that point, the country plans to emit no more greenhouse gases than it can offset or capture, for example, through renewable energy use or the carbon absorption capacity of natural ecosystems.

To achieve this goal, the government is developing a long-term low-carbon development strategy that outlines key measures and directions for emission reductions, increased clean energy production, and enhanced economic resilience.

Last week, the Ministry of Economy and Finance presented the report “Possible Pathways and Scenarios for Long-Term Low-Carbon Development,” prepared jointly with the World Bank.

The report describes potential approaches and mechanisms for implementing the strategy, aimed at ensuring a sustainable, energy-secure, and low-carbon future for Uzbekistan without compromising economic growth, both in key sectors and at the national level. It is designed to help relevant government agencies identify necessary investments, prioritize sectors for transformation, establish effective interagency coordination, and mobilize private and international financing to mitigate climate change impacts.

According to the report’s key findings, Uzbekistan can maintain sustainable economic growth of around 5% per year even while achieving carbon neutrality, demonstrating the feasibility of combining economic development with climate goals. The expansion of the green economy and increased renewable energy production could reduce the country’s energy import dependency to 39% of total consumption by 2060, compared to more than 70% without such measures.

Renewable energy could account for up to 60% of Uzbekistan’s energy balance by 2060. The transition to a green economy could create up to 1.8 million jobs in the renewable energy sector, more than double the current level. Improved air quality from clean energy use is expected to reduce mortality related to air pollution by 18% by 2030.

Implementation of these strategies will also enhance the country’s resilience to natural resource shortages and price volatility, taking into account the projected 75% decline in domestic gas production by 2045.