Uzbekistan Approves Large-Scale Energy Efficiency Plan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has approved a comprehensive presidential decree aimed at further improving energy efficiency, ensuring rational use of energy resources, and reducing losses in the economy.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the decree titled “On additional measures to further improve energy efficiency in 2026, conserve energy resources, and ensure their rational use.”

The document introduces new standards for construction, infrastructure modernization, and energy consumption management, as well as digital monitoring mechanisms in the energy sector.

From July 1, all new buildings of ministries, agencies, state institutions, social sector organizations, and state-owned enterprises must meet at least energy efficiency class C. This requirement also applies to facilities undergoing reconstruction, modernization, or major repairs.

The decree strictly prohibits achieving electricity and natural gas savings through disconnection of consumers from the network or imposing consumption restrictions. Instead, it prioritizes modern technologies and significant reduction of losses in distribution networks.

The National Energy Efficiency Agency is granted authority to ensure guaranteed payments for energy service activities carried out under government orders through a dedicated incentive and support fund. This is intended to attract private investment into energy-saving projects with guaranteed returns.

Starting this year, state facilities with energy consumption significantly exceeding established norms will implement annual programs to improve efficiency based on international standards and energy service mechanisms. By October 1, a system for analyzing energy consumption and efficiency indicators will be introduced using big data, business analytics, and artificial intelligence technologies.

The decree mandates biannual calculation and publication of the country’s energy intensity. By September 1, higher education institutions must introduce energy efficiency and energy saving disciplines into curricula. From the new academic year, education at all levels will include energy-saving awareness programs.

Admission to master’s programs in “Energy Saving and Energy Audit” will be increased by 25% starting from the next academic year. Monitoring of target indicators will be carried out through a digital platform called “Energy Saving,” integrated with organizational databases.

A nationwide movement titled “Energy Efficiency — The Key to Prosperous Life” will be launched to promote energy conservation among the population. A consumer ranking system based on energy usage will be introduced, with incentives for those achieving positive results.

The decree emphasizes that energy resource management has become a strategic priority in the global economy. Population growth, industrial expansion, and urbanization are driving annual increases in demand, making efficiency and rational use essential.

This year, Uzbekistan plans to save 4.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 2.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas exclusively through technology-driven improvements rather than consumption restrictions.

Pilot projects have already been implemented at 190 sites across all 14 regions, including residential buildings, schools, and healthcare institutions, with energy-saving potential reaching up to 40%.

Planned savings include 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 1 billion cubic meters of gas in housing, social infrastructure, and enterprises, as well as 1.3 billion cubic meters of gas saved through renewable energy generation.

Solar panel installations in disadvantaged neighborhoods will save 35 million cubic meters of gas, while energy efficiency measures at 25 large industrial enterprises will save 1.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 600 million cubic meters of gas.

Studies show that average electricity consumption per square meter of buildings in Uzbekistan is 350 kilowatt-hours annually, significantly higher than European norms of 95–100 kilowatt-hours.

Energy efficiency measures are now a priority in all construction and renovation projects. Budget organizations must allocate at least 5% of their fourth-category budget expenses to energy efficiency initiatives.

New building designs must include natural lighting optimization and smart heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, aligned with international standards.

The National Energy Efficiency Agency will also coordinate implementation, monitor savings measures, and develop proposals for energy-efficient equipment and materials.

Regional project offices will be established, and technical staff in the energy sector will undergo retraining with participation of technical university faculty.

A digital platform will allow real-time monitoring of energy consumption for both legal entities and individuals, enabling remote analysis of consumption spikes and inefficiencies.

The system introduces benchmark efficiency indicators by consumer category and guarantees reimbursement mechanisms for foreign companies operating under energy service models.

The reforms are expected to significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce resource waste, and support sustainable socio-economic development across the country.