Uzbekistan and Japan expand energy partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, held a meeting with a delegation from the Japan Business Federation (KEIDANREN), led by Chairman Hashimoto Takeshi, during which the parties discussed the further expansion of cooperation in the energy sector and the implementation of new joint projects.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Japan, Mukhsin Abdurakhmonov, as well as representatives from Shimizu Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EMEA, Marubeni Corporation, and ITOCHU Corporation.

The participants of the talks noted that following the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Japan on 18–20 December 2025, bilateral cooperation has reached a qualitatively new level. According to their assessment, the visit provided additional impetus to the development of the partnership, particularly contributing to the growth of Japanese investments in Uzbekistan's energy sector, especially in renewable energy projects.

The sides highly praised the results of their long-term cooperation. According to the Ministry of Energy, 14 major energy projects with a total value of US$5.6 billion have already been implemented in Uzbekistan with the participation of Japanese companies. Currently, the implementation of another six projects worth US$2.6 billion is underway, and preparation is being conducted for seven promising projects with a total value of US$7.7 billion.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to new areas of cooperation. In particular, the parties discussed the construction of main power transmission lines and substations using the EPC+F model, improving energy efficiency through the electrification of compressor stations within the gas transmission system, developing technologies for green hydrogen production, creating infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, and introducing modern technical standards and advanced Japanese expertise in energy efficiency.

In addition, the parties reviewed issues concerning the integration of renewable energy sources into the national power grid, as well as personnel training and the exchange of experience in managing modern energy systems.

Following the negotiations, Uzbekistan and Japan confirmed their intention to continue strengthening their strategic partnership in the energy sector and to ensure the consistent implementation of mutually beneficial joint projects.