Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 23 June, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining new measures to supply the country’s major industrial enterprises with clean energy.

As energy demands continue to grow, Uzbekistan is steadily expanding its renewable energy sector. In a short period, around US$6 billion in direct foreign investment has been attracted to this field. Annual electricity generation has increased from 59 to 82 billion kilowatt-hours, with further growth expected in the coming years.

Given projections that the population will surpass 41 million and the economy will reach US$200 billion by 2030, energy needs are expected to rise significantly. In response, the government is accelerating its transition to alternative energy sources.

The presentation highlighted current projects and plans for expanding generation capacity, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing the power system. By 2025, Uzbekistan plans to commission 12 solar and 4 wind power plants, along with 12 energy storage systems. These projects represent over US$5 billion in investment and are expected to generate approximately 9 billion kilowatt-hours annually. Additionally, construction is set to begin on 11 more facilities with a total investment of US$7.2 billion.

The government’s focus extends beyond energy production to efficient usage. The president emphasized the importance of reducing losses and introducing energy-efficient equipment, especially in major industrial enterprises. According to the data presented, 18 sectors of the economy account for one-third of the country’s total electricity consumption. For example, pumps used in water management systems alone consume about 6.5 billion kilowatt-hours per year.

In response, the government will carry out large-scale modernization of 12 major pumping units. Solar power plants with capacities ranging from 75 to 100 megawatts, along with 50-megawatt battery storage systems, will be installed at each site. This is expected to reduce annual electricity consumption in the sector by 2 billion kilowatt-hours, from 6.5 to 4.5 billion. The first site to undergo this transformation will be the Karshi Main Canal, known for its high water supply costs.

Additional potential lies in the oil and gas industry, where installing solar power plants with a combined capacity of 240 megawatts and 300 megawatts of storage could generate at least 600 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

The meeting also addressed the gradual shift of the 18 most energy-intensive sectors toward autonomous power systems. Furthermore, updates were presented on projects that will introduce solar power in public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and kindergartens.

These initiatives aim to enhance energy security, reduce pressure on the national grid, and lay the foundation for sustainable, green industrial development over the long term.