Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has launched the final stage of the Yorqin Xonadon social project, under which another 1,197 low-income families will receive solar panels free of charge. The initiative is being implemented by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy together with Acwa and China Southern Power Grid International (CSGI), the ministry said.
The project has a total budget of US$20 million. The new stage will cover residents of Karakalpakstan, Samarkand region and Bukhara region, with Karakalpakstan accounting for 65% of all installations. Recipients are being selected jointly with regional administrations based on the “Iron Notebook” register.
Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjaev said the project combines social support for people in need with the development of renewable energy. According to him, installing solar panels will help families and social-sector facilities reduce their electricity costs.
To date, 1,580 families and 334 social-sector facilities have already received solar panels under Yorqin Xonadon. These include schools, preschool education institutions and rural medical centres.
The project has previously covered five regions of the country — Syrdarya, Bukhara, Tashkent and Navoi regions, as well as the Republic of Karakalpakstan. With the final stage included, the total number of recipients will exceed 3,100.
John Zaidi, CEO of Acwa in Uzbekistan, said the initiative uses solar solutions that help reduce electricity costs. Households will also have an opportunity to earn additional income by selling surplus electricity generated to the grid.
According to Zaidi, the project is being implemented jointly with partner CSGI and provides solar solutions to families and social facilities that need them most.
The Yorqin Xonadon initiative is aligned with the objectives of a decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on additional measures to introduce energy-saving technologies and develop small-scale renewable energy sources.
Acwa has operated in Uzbekistan since 2019. According to the Ministry of Energy, the company is implementing 19 projects in the country with a combined capacity of 13.9 GW. The total investment in these projects amounts to US$16.5 billion.
Acwa’s projects in Uzbekistan cover wind and solar power, energy storage systems, conventional power generation and green hydrogen production.
