An extensive work has been carried out in Uzbekistan in recent years to improve the energy efficiency in sectors of the economy and the social sphere, as well as expand the use of renewable energy sources.
In particular, pursuant to the Decree of the President dated March 1, 2013 “On measures for further development of alternative sources of energy” and the presidential decree dated May 5, 2015 “On Program of measures to reduce energy consumption, implement energy saving technologies in industries and the social sector in 2015-2019”, following targets have been achieved:
– Republican Commission on energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources was established in the structure of the Ministry of economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
– International institute of solar energy was established in Tashkent;
– a road map for development of solar energy in Uzbekistan was developed with the support of the Asian Development Bank;
– a number of projects were initiated for construction of large solar photovoltaic power plants in Surkhandarya, Namangan and Navoi regions.
Meantime, today, there are a number of unresolved issues preventing the further accelerated development of alternative sources of energy.
With this in mind, the head of state adopted a new decree “On measures on further development of renewable energy, energy efficiency in sectors of the economy and social sphere for 2017-2021,” aimed at further reduction of energy intensity of gross domestic product, reducing the production costs and expanding the use of energy from renewable sources.
More than 314,1 billion soums are set to be channeled from the state budget towards these purposes. (UzReport/Business World Magazine)