Uzbekistan Environment - The Times Of Central Asia

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Mirziyoyev: Central Asia Can Become a Global Green Energy Hub

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a keynote address at the Sustainability Week Summit in Abu Dhabi on January 14. The event, hosted by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan, gathered global leaders, including the presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the prime ministers of Italy, Malaysia, and Finland, as well as heads of international organizations and financial institutions. The Urgency of Transitioning to a Green Economy In his speech, Mirziyoyev emphasized the critical need for a green economic transition, stating: “The diversification of energy sources and a drastic reduction of hydrocarbons are now critical conditions for mitigating climate change and ensuring global security.” Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan has declared 2025 as the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.” The country’s strategic goal, under the "New Uzbekistan" framework, is to achieve sustainable economic growth through environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Low-Carbon Development Goals Outlining Uzbekistan’s low-carbon development strategy, Mirziyoyev announced plans to integrate green finance into 50% of investment projects over the next five years; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030; "Green" at least 30% of urban areas; and ensure that 100% of agricultural lands adopt water-saving technologies. Mirziyoyev also highlighted Uzbekistan’s achievements in renewable energy, stating: “In the past five years, we have attracted almost $20 billion in foreign investments, commissioning modern energy capacities of 9.6 gigawatts. This includes 14 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3.5 gigawatts.” Uzbekistan is currently collaborating with foreign partners on over 50 major energy projects worth $26 billion, aiming to reach a total energy capacity of 24 gigawatts by 2030. By that time, renewable energy is expected to account for 54% of the country’s total energy generation. Regional Collaboration and Global Ambitions Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of regional cooperation, saying: “We aim to turn Central Asia into one of the global centers for green economy and clean energy.” He highlighted a multilateral agreement with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to export green energy to Europe and restore the Great Silk Road through energy connectivity. The president shared success stories of partnerships with companies like Masdar, which have generated 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy in Uzbekistan. Additional projects are underway to create 1.6 gigawatts of generating capacity and build energy storage systems with a capacity of about 520 megawatts per hour. He also noted Uzbekistan’s untapped renewable energy potential, citing the ability to produce 500 gigawatts of solar, 100 gigawatts of wind, and 10 gigawatts of hydro energy. Advancing Green Research and Innovation Mirziyoyev referenced the establishment of the Green University in Tashkent - which will serve as a hub for global scientific collaboration - and proposed creating an international research network focused on combating land degradation and desertification. He also reiterated Uzbekistan’s initiatives introduced at COP-28 and COP-29, including the creation of an International Center for Damage and Loss Assessment and a regional hub for water-saving technologies. “We are ready to begin practical work in these areas with all our partners,” he stated. A Nationwide Green Movement Concluding his address,...

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Fossil-Fuel Rich UAE Drives Central Asia’s Green Energy Transition

Central Asian nations, especially Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are seeking to develop closer ties with the oil-rich United Arab Emirates. What they need from the Gulf state is not fossil fuels, but renewable energy technology and investment in their green energy sectors. Despite being a significant oil-exporter, the UAE has managed in recent years to position itself as a regional leader in solar energy and photovoltaic solar projects. As a result, it now has global aspirations in the renewable energy industry. The Gulf country, through its semi-government-owned company, Masdar, has already invested billions of dollars in the construction of wind farms and solar plants all over the world – from the Bahamas and Barbados to Australia, as well as several African and European nations. Central Asia is no exception. In the region, the green energy giant is particularly active in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It is, therefore, no surprise that, on January 14, two regional leaders, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, were major guests at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global platform focused on accelerating sustainability efforts. [caption id="attachment_27597" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] President Tokayev of Kazakhstan speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week; image: TCA, Nikola Mikovic[/caption] Their visit to the UAE signals a strong push for a green energy transition at home. For Tashkent and Astana, cooperation with Abu Dhabi in the field of green energy can help them to achieve their ambitious goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, despite both being significant producers of natural gas and oil. “Together with our foreign partners, we are currently implementing more than 50 large energy projects worth a total of $26 billion,” Mirziyoyev stressed, pointing out that by 2030, the share of renewable energy sources in the country will reach 54%. [caption id="attachment_27593" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev backstage at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week; image: TCA, Nikola Mikovic[/caption] In his view, Central Asia should turn into a “center of green economy.” The Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Francesco La Camera, seems to share this stance. “Central Asia can play a stronger and leading role in the global energy transition. I’m confident this new partnership can accelerate the pipeline of renewable energy projects and drive green industrialization,” La Camera said at the 15th session of the IRENA Assembly, held in the UAE capital two days prior to the meetings Mirziyoyev and Tokayev had with the UAE’s leaders. According to the Uzbek President, Tashkent is interested in jointly realizing the potential of Central Asia in solar, wind, and hydro energy, as well as in developing the production of green hydrogen. Fully aware of the Central Asian state’s green energy potential, Masdar is committed to investing $2 billion in Tashkent’s clean energy projects with a total capacity of more than two gigawatts. In the most populated Central Asian nation, the UAE’s semi-state-owned company is already involved in the construction of both solar plants and wind farms. [caption id="attachment_27594" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Masdar’s Chief Operating Officer, at the Abu...

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Uzbekistan to Launch “Eco-Active Citizen” Project for a Greener Future

The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies, has announced plans to launch the “Eco-Active Citizen” project by June 1, 2025. This initiative is part of the nationwide “One Million Green Families” movement and integrates with the “Healthy Lifestyle” platform. It is outlined in the draft Presidential Decree “On the State Program for the Implementation of the Strategy ‘Uzbekistan – 2030,’” which places significant emphasis on environmental protection and fostering a “green economy.” The project seeks to promote an ecological lifestyle and enhance environmental awareness among the population. Citizens will be encouraged to take actions such as planting trees, using public transportation, walking 10,000 steps daily, reducing waste, and transitioning to electric vehicles. Additional recommended measures include installing solar panels, utilizing energy-saving materials, and conserving electricity, gas, and water. Active participation in public environmental activities will also be key. Participants in the “Eco-Active Citizen” program will qualify for public service discounts, lower interest rates on consumer loans, and may even receive environmentally friendly vehicles such as bicycles or scooters. Families in which all members achieve “eco-active” status will be recognized as “Green Families” and will have the opportunity to participate in an annual lottery to win an electric car. Neighborhoods (mahallas) with over 50% of households classified as “Green Families” will earn the title of “Green Neighborhoods” and will receive additional environmental benefits, such as designated waste collection sites, tree planting initiatives, and green public parks. Cities or villages with more than 50% “Green Neighborhoods” will be officially recognized as “Green Cities,” “Green Villages,” or “Green Auls” (fortified villages). The Ministry of Ecology underscored the environmental impact of individual actions. For instance, one car emits an estimated 4.6 tons of carbon dioxide annually, whilst walking 10,000 steps per day can prevent up to 1.5 tons of waste. Additionally, conserving 100 cubic meters of natural gas can prevent 2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. These efforts aim to establish sustainable “green cities” while promoting environmentally responsible tourism. In a related development, The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Uzbekistan is preparing a draft national program to reduce plastic pollution for 2025-2027.

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Central Asia Tackles Plastic Pollution with Bag Ban Initiatives

Globally, an estimated 5 trillion plastic bags are used every year. These bags take approximately 1,000 years to decompose in landfills and do not fully break down. Instead, they photodegrade into microplastics, which absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Central Asian countries are committing to phasing out plastic bags, each pursuing distinct approaches. Uzbekistan Uzbekistan plans to introduce a draft national program to reduce plastic pollution for 2025–2027. This initiative is part of the draft State Program for the Implementation of the Strategy "Uzbekistan-2030" in the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy, currently under public discussion. The proposal includes: A ban on the production, import, and use of plastic bags starting in 2027. Promoting environmentally friendly, biodegradable packaging. Regulating harmful chemicals in plastic products. Encouraging recycled plastic use in packaging through established coefficients. The draft program is expected to be developed by September 2025 and submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers by November 2025. A related draft presidential decree outlines additional measures, such as: Developing legislation requiring manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging to collect and dispose of plastic waste. Establishing collection and disposal facilities. Imposing a disposal fee for plastic waste by November 1, 2025. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan had initially planned to ban plastic bags by 2025. However, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources determined that the country is not yet prepared for this transition. Research reveals a significant gap: while the consumption of plastic tableware and packaging exceeds 430 million pieces annually, the production of alternative materials is limited to only 10 million pieces. This disparity highlights the urgent need to develop sustainable packaging solutions before implementing a comprehensive ban. Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan is set to ban the use of polyethylene bags and plastic nationwide starting January 1, 2027. The Law on Limiting the Circulation of Polymer Film and Plastic Bags in the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, signed by President Sadyr Japarov in 2023, outlines penalties for violations: For citizens: Fines of 10,000 KGS (approximately $114.90). For legal entities: Fines of 28,000 KGS (approximately $321.80). Warnings will be issued for first-time violations involving the free distribution of plastic bags. Subsequent violations will incur fines: For legal entities: 5,000 KGS (approximately $57.40). For individuals: 1,000 KGS (approximately $11.40). Tajikistan Tajikistan will implement a ban on the import and use of plastic bags starting January 1, 2025. To support this transition, authorities have focused on developing environmentally friendly packaging alternatives made from materials such as cardboard, paper, fabric, ceramics, and biodegradable polymers. These varied approaches reflect the commitment of Central Asian countries to tackling the global challenge of plastic pollution. By balancing environmental priorities with practical considerations, these nations aim to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Collaborate on Syr Darya River Automation to Improve Water Management

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are moving forward with plans to install ten automated measuring stations along the Syr Darya River, a project aimed at improving water resource management. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia in September 2024, this initiative was first discussed during meetings between Uzbek Minister of Water Resources Shavkat Khamroyev and Kazakh Minister of Water Resources Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. The discussions focused on automating and digitizing water accounting in the river basin. On January 7, the two countries announced that they had agreed to develop technical specifications for the project. Five stations will be installed in each country, with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) assisting in the development of draft technical specifications. Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing with international financial institutions to secure funding for the project. “This is just the beginning,” stated Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurlan Aldamjarov. “Only the first ten sections have been identified so far, but we aim to automate all major hydro posts and ensure complete transparency in water accounting. We are also actively addressing this issue in talks with our Kyrgyz and Tajik counterparts.” The automation of water management systems is a critical step for both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as the Syr Darya River plays a vital role in supporting agriculture and ensuring water security in the region.

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Central Asia Faces Devastating $9 Billion Annual Loss from Climate Crises

Central Asia faces a complex mix of development challenges, according to a study conducted by the Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA). These include global issues such as climate change, rising inequality, and demographic shifts, alongside regional concerns like water crises, aging infrastructure, border conflicts, and lack of access to sea routes. The region’s challenges can be categorized into external and internal risks. Since gaining independence, Central Asia has been shaped by the influence of global powers. Trade, security, energy, and education ties with Russia remain strong, while China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to significant investment in infrastructure. Western nations and multinational corporations are active primarily in the raw materials sector, particularly in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. While these international connections drive economic growth, they also heighten the region’s vulnerability to global shocks. For example, heavy reliance on remittances from migrant workers and low export diversification increase economic fragility. Climate change poses one of the most pressing threats to the region. Natural disasters—including floods, which affect about one million people annually, and earthquakes, impacting two million - result in $9 billion in annual GDP losses. Rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate issues such as water scarcity, droughts, heat waves, and the loss of agricultural land. Adopting sustainable development practices and green technologies could help mitigate these effects. Aging water and energy infrastructure is a major hurdle for the region. Energy insecurity, compounded by climate change, limits economic potential. Despite a rise in foreign investment from $1.5 billion in 2000 to $7.4 billion in 2023, the majority of funds are concentrated in raw materials, with only a small share allocated to infrastructure improvements. Transport development is equally critical. The lack of sea access places Central Asia at a 20% developmental disadvantage compared to coastal nations. Expanding roads, railways, and logistics hubs could significantly enhance regional and international trade. Territorial disputes, particularly around enclaves, remain a source of periodic clashes, with the Kyrgyz-Tajik border clashes of 2022 being a notable example. While these conflicts may not immediately affect economic stability, escalations could damage the region’s investment climate and trade prospects. A peace agreement signed later in 2022 has helped to stabilize the situation. Additionally, the situation in Afghanistan continues to present challenges, including terrorism, refugee flows, and border security concerns. These risks intensified following the regime change in Afghanistan in 2021, increasing the urgency for stronger border controls. Addressing these interconnected challenges will require coordinated efforts among all Central Asian nations. International organizations and major global partners must also play a role by supporting infrastructure and technological modernization. Such collaboration is essential to mitigating economic risks and fostering long-term development in the region.