Photo: theasiatoday.org
Uzbekistan’s authorities have proposed a series of measures aimed at saving 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas this year alone. The plan was presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March 26 during a meeting focused on improving energy efficiency and rational resource use, according to the presidential press service.
Officials emphasized that this issue had long been neglected. Industrial enterprises have historically had high levels of both energy consumption and losses, and only in recent years have some companies begun adopting energy efficiency principles. However, these efforts remain insufficient, as the challenge extends beyond the industrial sector. Experts estimate that by 2030, Uzbekistan’s population will reach 41 million, and the economy will double in size. As a result, energy demand is expected to increase 1.5 times compared to current levels, making conservation measures essential.
At the president’s direction, authorities have been assessing potential energy-saving opportunities across the country. Studies in Samarkand, Syrdarya, and Jizzakh regions have identified ways to save 870 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 420 million cubic meters of gas. For instance, simply replacing nearly 35,000 outdated units of equipment at small and medium-sized industrial enterprises could reduce consumption by 385 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 50 million cubic meters of gas.
Additional opportunities exist in local communities. Researchers estimate that constructing 300 small solar power plants with a total capacity of 100 megawatts could save 45 million cubic meters of gas this year. Meanwhile, the construction of more than 1,000 micro-hydropower plants on canals and streams could generate an additional 175 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.
Experts also highlighted inefficiencies in the public lighting system, which consumes 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Installing solar-powered streetlights could cut these costs in half, according to the research team.
After reviewing the report, President Mirziyoyev stressed the urgent need to install modern energy-saving equipment at industrial facilities. He also underscored the importance of fostering a culture of energy conservation in households—minimizing excessive electricity and gas use while promoting the widespread adoption of solar panels and other renewable energy sources.
Given the high population density in the Fergana Valley, the president instructed relevant ministries and agencies to develop a tailored approach to ensuring a stable energy supply for residents in the region. If successful, this model could be expanded nationwide.
