Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 28 January, Uzbekistan hosted a roundtable discussion on “Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Ensuring Sustainable Heating through Green Innovative Technologies.”

The event was organized with the participation of international financial institutions and organizations under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov. The primary goal was to gather expert opinions and recommendations on a draft Presidential Decree aimed at improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, reforming centralized heating systems, and ensuring the sustainable development of the sector.

Representatives from various ministries and agencies—including the Ministries of Construction and Housing, Energy, Healthcare, and Preschool and School Education—along with international financial institutions and organizations, attended the event.

Discussions focused on strategies for enhancing building energy efficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources, and reducing energy losses. Participants also reviewed the analysis of centralized heating systems, the challenges they face, and the need for modern technological solutions. As a result, a draft Presidential Decree was developed, outlining concrete measures to implement these initiatives.

The decree includes steps to expand the use of energy-efficient technologies, integrate renewable energy sources, minimize energy losses, and develop a sustainable heating supply system. Its development incorporated the expertise and recommendations of international partners such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Energy Agency.

During the roundtable, presentations were delivered by international experts, including Charles Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure at the World Bank; Stephanie Gill, Regional Manager for Energy and Mining at the World Bank; and Alfredo Bano, Senior Energy Specialist at the Asian Development Bank. They shared insights on improving building energy efficiency and heating systems. Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), GIZ, and other organizations also provided key recommendations on leveraging green technologies for modernizing Uzbekistan’s heating sector.

Special attention was given to improving heating service quality and reliability, enhancing energy efficiency in social infrastructure, attracting foreign investment, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the sector. Additionally, participants discussed internationally funded energy efficiency programs and their impact on long-term sector stability.

The event concluded with an emphasis on the significance of the Presidential Decree in ensuring Uzbekistan’s energy stability, improving heating services, fostering foreign investment, and developing a new energy efficiency market. The importance of ongoing collaboration between government agencies and international partners was also highlighted as a key factor in successfully implementing reforms and advancing energy efficiency initiatives in the country.