Uzbekistan Assesses Cement Industry Decarbonization

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has presented the first systematic assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in its cement industry, alongside priority directions for technological modernization amid the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The findings were presented at a consultative seminar in Tashkent organized by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), bringing together representatives of government agencies, academia, industry, financial institutions, and international organizations.

The main objective of the event was to review the results of the emissions assessment and develop practical approaches for modernizing the cement sector and transitioning it toward a low-carbon development model.

Opening the event, Deputy Director of CERR Nozimjon Ortikov emphasized that industrial growth and carbon reduction objectives are interconnected, noting that modernization would support both economic expansion and environmental sustainability.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Anas Karman highlighted the significant role of the construction sector in the national economy and the need to accelerate the introduction of low-carbon technologies in cement production.

CERR experts Abdurashed Bozorov and Bakhtiyor Ismailov presented a baseline assessment of greenhouse gas emissions based on the methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The analysis noted that cement industry decarbonization is increasingly important in the context of Uzbekistan’s international climate commitments. The country aims to reduce the carbon intensity of its GDP by 50% by 2035 compared to 2010 levels and is also considering achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

At the same time, the sector continues to grow steadily. Cement production has more than doubled in recent years, rising from 10.5 million tons in 2019 to more than 20 million tons currently, driven by strong construction activity and infrastructure development.

According to the report, Uzbekistan has 24 cement plants with a total capacity of around 37 million tons per year, while actual output stands at approximately 21.5 million tons. Thirteen major producers account for about 95% of total production, indicating high industry concentration and shaping modernization priorities.

Experts estimate that carbon dioxide emissions from clinker production, the key component of cement, reach around 9 million tons annually, excluding energy use and related factors. In this context, modernization of major plants is seen as the primary lever for emissions reduction.

The study, based on surveys of 16 leading enterprises and international benchmarking, identifies significant potential for reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. Key measures include optimizing cement composition, improving energy efficiency, and expanding the use of alternative fuels.

The report also stresses the need to strengthen financing mechanisms, expand access to modern technologies, simplify regulatory procedures, develop skilled personnel, and create market demand for environmentally sustainable products.

A comprehensive package of measures, including energy-efficient solutions, reduced clinker content, waste heat recovery systems, and carbon capture technologies, is expected to ensure sustained emissions reductions while improving the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s cement industry.