Green economy - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan EBRD Agriculture Green economy FAO climate-smart agriculture GIS platform Farmland

Kyrgyzstan to Improve Farmland Monitoring with EBRD and FAO Support

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a joint initiative titled Greening Kyrgyzstan’s Economy: Know More, Act Better, Enhance Results. The project aims to foster climate-smart agriculture through the use of geographic information system (GIS) technology, improving farmland management and bolstering food security in Kyrgyzstan. According to the EBRD, the initiative is supported by its Food and Agribusiness team and involves close cooperation with three key local aggregators: Kaindy-Kant (sugar beet processing), Kirbi (potato processing), and Dan Agro (pulses and legume processing). Together, these partners will help extend the project’s reach to more than 5,000 farmers. Harnessing GIS Technology The GIS platform will be managed by Kyrgyzstan’s State Agency for Land Resources, Cadastre, Geodesy and Cartography. It will be accessible to stakeholders across the agricultural sector, including the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, as well as farmers and aggregators. The system will enable users to identify sown crops, assess land-use efficiency, estimate productivity, and monitor crop rotation and sustainable water use. With additional funding from the Ministry of Digital Development, the State Agency will also develop a mobile application to improve access and facilitate the adoption of GIS tools at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the EBRD and FAO will roll out a free e-extension application to provide advisory services to farmers. This collaboration promises substantial benefits for Kyrgyzstan, where agriculture employs nearly half the workforce and contributes approximately 12% of the national GDP. Broader Impact and Expectations The initiative is also expected to deliver environmental gains by enhancing efficiency in a sector responsible for roughly 37% of Kyrgyzstan’s greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts align with the country’s Paris Agreement target of cutting emissions by 16% by 2030. In addition to supporting environmental goals, the project is set to improve food security for Kyrgyzstan’s growing population, projected to reach 9.6 million by 2050. The data-driven approach to land management is designed to help rural communities adapt to climate change, strengthen agribusiness supply chains, and contribute to sustainable economic development. Participating aggregators stand to benefit from access to more accurate planting data, which will improve harvest forecasting and help optimize financing strategies.

Tajikistan EBRD Green economy

Tajikistan’s Green Deal: EBRD Launches Sustainability Pilot Projects

On April 1, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) inaugurated two demonstration sites under the Tajikistan Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF II) in the town of Bokhtar. The initiative promotes innovation in sustainable energy and agriculture, backed by funding from South Korea, Austria, and the Green Climate Fund. The total program budget is $50 million. Bringing Energy Efficiency to Life The first site, located at the MoDO Khumo branch in Bokhtar, features a hybrid solar photovoltaic system combining solar panels with energy storage. This technology ensures a stable power supply even during periods of low solar activity. Real-time data on electricity generation and consumption is displayed in the customer area, helping to raise public awareness of sustainable energy practices. The second site, at the Tanzila dekhkan farm in Vakhsh district, showcases how green technologies can boost crop yields and reduce environmental impact. The installation includes: Drip irrigation systems that save up to 70% of water; Solar panels for off-grid electricity; Biogas units using organic waste; Vertical farming in compact spaces. These solutions aim to enhance agricultural productivity and improve farmers' incomes. Strategic Development with the EBRD GEFF II also prioritizes gender equality, offering targeted support to women entrepreneurs seeking green financing for sustainable business ventures. The demonstration sites form part of the EBRD’s broader strategy to promote sustainable development across Tajikistan. Additional pilot locations are planned to showcase further environmentally friendly technologies. EBRD’s Broader Footprint in Tajikistan Established in 1991, the EBRD provides financial and technical support to nearly 40 countries for economic and structural reforms. In Tajikistan, the bank remains a key investor, having committed over €1 billion across 183 projects. Notable EBRD-supported initiatives include: Dushanbe Infrastructure Modernization - €28.45 million to improve roads and a bridge over the Varzob River; Dangara-Guliston Road Upgrade - €38 million for roadworks and infrastructure for electric vehicles; CLIMADAPT - $10 million to help farmers and businesses adopt climate-resilient technologies; Kayrakkum Hydroelectric Plant Modernization - $88 million to boost energy efficiency and support climate adaptation. These investments are helping Tajikistan build climate resilience, modernize infrastructure, and create sustainable pathways for regional development.

EBRD Banking Economy Green economy Economic Diversification International Finance

Powering the Green and Economic Revolution: An Interview With Andi Aranitasi, Head of the EBRD in Uzbekistan

As the Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Uzbekistan, Andi Aranitasi plays a key role in driving the country’s economic transformation. Under his leadership, the EBRD has expanded its investments in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and private enterprise, supporting Uzbekistan’s shift toward a more open and sustainable economy. With a focus on green energy, digitalization, and financial reforms, Aranitasi’s efforts contribute to the nation’s long-term development and integration into global markets. In 2024, the EBRD set an investment record in Uzbekistan by signing off on 34 projects worth €938 million (US $960 million). The country once again became the leading recipient of the Bank’s funding in Central Asia, with 55% of the Bank’s investments going towards green economy projects. The EBRD has supported Central Asia's first renewable hydrogen facility by providing a $65 million financing package to a joint venture of ACWA Power and Uzkimyosanoat, which will help to decarbonize the fertilizer production sector in Uzbekistan. The Bank also organized an A/B loan of US$ 226 million for developing, designing, constructing, and operating a 200MW solar photovoltaic power plant and a 501MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Tashkent region. This is one of the most significant EBRD-supported BESS projects in the economies where the Bank operates. Its sovereign loan of $66.4 million to the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU) will support the construction of a 230 km 500 kV transmission line in the Navoi region. This project will help to eliminate bottlenecks in the grid, reduce electricity outages, and facilitate the integration of renewables. The EBRD’s sovereign loan of $238 million, meanwhile, will help rehabilitate a key road and build a bridge across the Amu Darya River in the Khorezm region, thus contributing to sustainable transport connections. The country’s financial sector attracted over €300 million from the EBRD through trade finance limits and loans to local financial institutions. It offered credit lines and risk-sharing agreements to such domestic lenders as Hamkorbank, Ipoteka Bank, TBC Bank Uzbekistan, and Uzbek Leasing International. Special attention was paid to the development and support of SMEs, including those needing energy efficiency improvements and owned and managed by youth and women. The EBRD also increased its equity investment in TBC Uzbekistan, the country’s first digital bank. Additionally, the EBRD and the government of Uzbekistan agreed to work jointly on the successful privatization of one of the country’s largest state-owned lenders, Asakabank. In 2024, the EBRD’s Advice for Small Business program in Uzbekistan launched 60 projects, increasing its outreach to domestic SMEs. Half of these were with women entrepreneurs, and over 40% were in rural areas. More than 80,000 entrepreneurs nationwide were reached through specialized training, networking, online outreach, and knowledge-sharing events. Throughout 2024, the EBRD was actively engaged in policy dialogue with the national authorities, which facilitated the approval of several key legal acts, such as laws on privatization, the electricity market, and subsoil use. TCA spoke with Andi Aranitasi. TCA: The EBRD has been involved...

Green economy Foreign Investment Energy Infrastructure Economic Diversification

Uzbekistan Aims for 50% Green Energy by 2030 in Major Power Expansion

On January 28, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to outline Uzbekistan’s power sector development strategy for 2025-2035. In the past eight years, electricity production has increased by 38%, reaching 81.5 billion kilowatt-hours. Private sector participation has grown significantly, adding 11.2 gigawatts of new capacity. As a result, private power generation now accounts for 24% of the total, while renewable energy contributes 16%. Rising Demand and Infrastructure Expansion Household electricity consumption has doubled since 2016, surpassing 21 billion kilowatt-hours, driven by rising incomes and greater use of home appliances. By 2030, Uzbekistan’s population is expected to reach 41 million, and the economy is projected to grow 1.5 times, increasing electricity demand to 117 billion kilowatt-hours. By 2035, demand is expected to reach 135 billion kilowatt-hours - 1.7 times the current level. To meet this growing demand, the government plans to build new power plants and energy storage facilities. Infrastructure expansion will include 7,000 kilometers of new power lines and the introduction of digital management systems to ensure efficient distribution. If one region faces shortages, excess capacity from another will be redirected to balance supply. Over the next five years, $4 billion will be invested in modernizing the national power grid. Renewable Energy Targets and Efficiency Measures A key priority is reducing electricity costs by expanding renewable energy sources. Uzbekistan is considered to have strong solar, wind, and hydro potential, and by 2030, half of the country’s electricity is expected to come from these sources. Plans include constructing 3,000 small hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 164 megawatts and adding 750 megawatts from solar and wind power. The government had previously announced a goal to increase renewables’ share to 40% of total energy consumption by 2030, but the new target raises that figure to 50%. In addition to expanding clean energy, Uzbekistan is working to improve industrial energy efficiency. Some chemical and metallurgical plants consume twice as much energy as similar facilities worldwide, while cement production in the country requires 1.2 times more energy than global benchmarks. The goal is to reduce energy waste by 10 - 15% across all industries and cut electricity losses from 14% to 8 - 9% by 2030. Foreign Investment and Local Industry Opportunities International investors are already engaged in energy projects worth $26 billion, creating opportunities for local companies to supply equipment and materials. To guide these developments, the government has been tasked with preparing a long-term electricity strategy until 2035. The plan will focus on ensuring energy security, improving efficiency, and training skilled professionals to support Uzbekistan’s transition to a more sustainable power sector.

Biodiversity Environmental Awareness Ecology UNDP Environment Green economy

Uzbekistan Launches Two New Environmental Projects

Uzbekistan has initiated two major international projects aimed at environmental protection and advancing the green economy. The projects, spearheaded by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), are funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a total budget of $6.5 million. Both initiatives are set to run through 2030. Project 1: Updating the National Biodiversity Strategy The first initiative, titled the “Comprehensive Programme to Support the Renewal of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Seventh National Report,” is part of a global effort involving 69 countries, including Uzbekistan. This project aims to update Uzbekistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework. The updated plan will guide the country’s efforts to conserve its rich biodiversity and address environmental challenges. Project 2: Restoring Valuable Ecosystems The second project, named “Integrated Management for the Protection and Restoration of Highly Valuable Landscapes in Uzbekistan,” focuses on restoring ecosystems and exploring sustainable financing methods for biodiversity conservation. Pilot areas for this initiative include the Western Tien Shan, Nurata Mountains, and Kugitang landscapes. These ecologically significant regions are home to diverse flora and fauna and are considered critical for Uzbekistan’s environmental health. A key partner in the ecosystem restoration project is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which established a regional office in Tashkent in 2024 to support conservation efforts in Central Asia. Key Statements Deputy Minister of Ecology Iskandar Kutbiddinov highlighted the importance of these projects during their launch. “These initiatives align with Uzbekistan’s goals for a greener future and will play a vital role in preserving our country’s biodiversity and ecosystems,” Kutbiddinov said. UNDP Resident Representative Akiko Fujii also praised the country’s environmental efforts, noting that “Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to protect and restore its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.” With the launch of these two projects, Uzbekistan is strengthening its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. By aligning with global biodiversity goals and restoring vital ecosystems, the country is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Waste Management Green economy Environmental Awareness Legislation Ecology

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.