Uzbekistan Approves ECO Clean Energy Center Charter

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis approved in the first reading the draft law "On the Ratification of the Charter of the Clean Energy Center of the Economic Cooperation Organization (Ashgabat, 27 November 2021)". Following the review, the document was forwarded to the Senate.

The bill was developed in accordance with the Law "On International Treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan" and provides for the ratification of the Charter of the Clean Energy Center, which is being established within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The Charter was adopted in Ashgabat on 27 November 2021, and Uzbekistan signed the document in 2024.

As noted during the meeting, the ratification will be another step toward strengthening Uzbekistan's participation in regional energy cooperation, developing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and achieving green development goals.

Umid Yakubkhodjaev, a member of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense and Security, emphasized that in recent years, the country has consistently implemented reforms to modernize the energy sector, develop renewable energy, and introduce energy-saving technologies. According to him, the ratification of the Charter will make it possible to link the green reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan with regional cooperation, scientific and technical exchange, and the implementation of joint projects.

The main task of the Clean Energy Center will be to promote the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as to strengthen the capacity of relevant national institutions of the ECO member states.

The creation of the center, as noted at the meeting, will enhance coordination between the authorized bodies of the Economic Cooperation Organization countries in the field of sustainable energy, expand opportunities for the development and implementation of regional projects, and provide them with technical support.

Deputies emphasized that the bill complies with the national interests of Uzbekistan, the tasks of increasing economic competitiveness, and the fulfillment of the country's international climate obligations. In their opinion, its adoption will contribute to expanding the republic's participation in ECO activities, developing scientific and technical cooperation in the field of clean energy, and forming a sustainable energy infrastructure in the region.

Following the discussion, deputies passed the bill and sent it to the Senate for consideration.