Number of innovative program(s) in energy and climate change
Uzbekistan Solar Energy Program
Focus: Solar power generation.
Overview: Uzbekistan, with its vast solar potential, has launched several initiatives to harness solar energy. A key program is the development of solar power plants, such as the 100 MW solar power plant in Navoi region, built in collaboration with Masdar (UAE). The plan is to install multiple solar plants across the country to meet renewable energy targets.
Innovative Aspect: Emphasis on scaling solar energy with state and private sector collaboration to make renewable energy a central part of the energy mix.
Uzbekistan Energy Efficiency Fund (UEEF)
Focus: Energy efficiency in buildings.
Overview: The UEEF was established to finance projects aimed at improving energy efficiency in public and residential buildings. Supported by international partners, including the World Bank, the fund aims to reduce energy consumption through enhanced insulation and upgraded heating systems.
Innovative Aspect: Focus on improving the energy efficiency of older buildings and public infrastructure, contributing to cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Green Climate Fund (GCF) Partnership with Uzbekistan
Focus: Climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Overview: Uzbekistan partners with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to finance climate resilience and low-emission projects. Key projects include improving water management in agriculture, essential for climate adaptation in the arid conditions of the country.
Innovative Aspect: Focus on water conservation and sustainable agriculture to address energy and water use challenges in climate change.
Wind Energy Development Program
Focus: Wind energy generation.
Overview: Uzbekistan aims to install 3 GW of wind energy capacity by 2030, with the first major projects underway, including a 500 MW wind farm in the Karakalpakstan region, developed with foreign investment.
Innovative Aspect: Significant shift toward renewable energy sources, diversifying Uzbekistan's energy portfolio.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Energy Efficiency Projects
Focus: Energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Overview: UNDP and Uzbekistan collaborate on various energy efficiency projects, including improving energy performance in public buildings and housing sectors, and promoting solar water heating systems.
Innovative Aspect: Local capacity building and promotion of renewable energy in everyday life.
World Bank – Energy Sector Modernization Program
Focus: Transition to renewable energy.
Overview: Partnering with the World Bank, Uzbekistan aims to modernize its energy sector, including grid upgrades to support renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions, targeting a 25% renewable energy share by 2030.
Innovative Aspect: Modernizing the national grid to accommodate renewable energy inputs for a large-scale clean energy transition.
IFC Scaling Solar Program
Focus: Solar energy expansion.
Overview: The IFC assists Uzbekistan in rapidly expanding solar power through the Scaling Solar initiative, attracting private investment for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.
Innovative Aspect: Transparent and competitive process to attract international investors for solar projects.
Hydropower Expansion Initiative
Focus: Hydroelectric power.
Overview: Uzbekistan is expanding its hydroelectric power capacity by rehabilitating existing hydro plants and constructing new ones, contributing to renewable energy goals.
Innovative Aspect: Leveraging river systems for clean energy production to diversify sources and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation on Energy and Climate
Focus: Sustainable energy and climate action.
Overview: The EU supports Uzbekistan's green economy transition through technical and financial assistance, improving energy sector reforms for renewable integration.
Innovative Aspect: Knowledge exchange and technology transfer from EU countries to support Uzbekistan’s climate and renewable goals.
Renewable Energy Law (2020)
Focus: Regulatory framework for renewables.
Overview: Uzbekistan's Renewable Energy Law (2020) incentivizes renewable energy development with tax benefits and reduced tariffs for solar, wind, and hydro projects.
Innovative Aspect: Supportive legal framework for private sector participation and investment in renewable energy.
These programs collectively demonstrate Uzbekistan's commitment to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. Supported by international partners and innovative policies, Uzbekistan is moving towards a sustainable energy future.