Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity production to 40% by 2030

Today, many countries are radically reassessing their policies in transitioning from a traditional model—where environmental protection is considered a burden on the economy—to a green alternative that serves as a driver of sustainable ecological development.

According to available data, 34 billion tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere annually, while total greenhouse gas emissions amount to 41 billion tons. These figures have increased 3.8 times compared to the 1950s. Moreover, the depletion and reduction of hydrocarbon energy resources necessitate urgent measures for the development of alternative energy, making this issue both relevant and pressing. In this context, the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources is rapidly expanding worldwide. The total installed capacity of renewable energy systems reached 3,372 gigawatts in 2022 and increased to 3,700 GW by 2023. This includes a 21 GW increase in hydropower capacity, 75 GW in wind energy, 191 GW in solar energy, 7.6 GW in bioenergy, and 181 MW in geothermal energy.

As of the end of 2024, the total capacity of renewable energy systems worldwide stands at 4,600 GW. Last year, China set record figures in this sector, increasing solar energy capacity by 18% and wind energy capacity by 45%.

Currently, as energy demand continues to grow, many developed countries (including the United States, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and several European nations) are experiencing energy shortages.

Uzbekistan produces 81 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Given the rapid economic growth (GDP increasing by an average of 5-6% per year) and an annual population growth of 700,000-800,000 people, energy demand is also increasing proportionally. Our calculations show that by 2030, energy demand will reach at least 125-130 billion kilowatt-hours per year. Under these conditions, as part of the ongoing and phased reforms in Uzbekistan’s public and governmental sectors, goals have been set to accelerate the transition to a green economy and effectively achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The development of renewable energy plays a key role in Uzbekistan’s energy sector, as the country possesses vast natural resources. Extensive efforts are being made to implement renewable energy sources. A legal framework for alternative energy has been established. In 2019, the Law “On the Use of Renewable Energy Sources” was adopted, along with important presidential decrees and resolutions.