Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In 2024, Uzbekistan introduced new power plants with a total capacity of 2,787.9 megawatts, according to the country's Ministry of Energy.

Specifically, solar photovoltaic stations contributed 1,000 megawatts, wind power plants added 800 megawatts, thermal power plants provided 965.2 megawatts, and hydropower stations accounted for 22.7 megawatts.

Over the past year, the operation of solar and wind power plants generated 4.86 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity—sufficient to meet the annual consumption needs of more than two million households. This helped conserve 1.47 billion cubic meters of natural gas and prevent 2.04 million tons of harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere.

As part of the "Solar Home" program, 10,826 citizens who installed solar panels in 2024 collectively received 12.182 billion soums for selling 12.182 million kilowatt-hours of electricity to the state. Payments were made through the State Tax Committee's "Soliq" mobile application.

Uzbekistan's total electricity production in 2024 reached 81.5 billion kilowatt-hours—22.5 billion kilowatt-hours (38%) more than in 2016. Of this, 67.5 billion kilowatt-hours were supplied to consumers, marking a 21.8 billion kilowatt-hour (48%) increase over the past eight years.

The country’s energy sector will continue expanding in 2025. Plans include launching large-scale solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of 4.5 gigawatts, installing 785 megawatts of solar panels, constructing 225 megawatts of hydropower stations, and commissioning energy storage systems with a capacity of 1,782 megawatt-hours.

By 2030, Uzbekistan’s population is expected to reach 41 million, and its economy is projected to double, increasing energy demand by 1.5 times. In response, the government is prioritizing energy expansion alongside conservation efforts. In 2025, Uzbekistan aims to reduce natural gas consumption by 4.4 billion cubic meters and lower electricity usage by 6 billion kilowatt-hours.

Under the President’s directive, a scientific analysis of energy-saving potential is underway in various regions with the involvement of experts. Studies conducted in Samarkand, Syrdarya, and Jizzakh regions indicate the potential to save 870 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 420 million cubic meters of gas. Replacing 35,000 outdated industrial units with energy-efficient equipment is expected to save 385 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 50 million cubic meters of gas annually.

Additionally, projects focused on optimizing energy use at the district and mahalla levels have been developed. The installation of 300 small-scale solar power stations with a total capacity of 100 megawatts is expected to save 45 million cubic meters of gas in 2025. Furthermore, over 1,000 micro-hydropower plants are being built along canals and rivers, projected to generate an additional 175 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and conserve 40 million cubic meters of gas.

Another key initiative involves implementing solar-powered street lighting, which is anticipated to reduce annual energy consumption by 100 million kilowatt-hours and cut lighting costs in half. In total, comprehensive energy-saving measures in 2025 are expected to preserve 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.

On March 26, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on energy conservation, efficiency enhancement, and resource optimization. Discussions emphasized the modernization of major industrial enterprises through the adoption of energy-efficient equipment and the reduction of electricity losses. The government has been tasked with developing a new monitoring and enforcement system in this sector.

Raising awareness of energy conservation among the public and organizations is also a priority. Simple measures, such as minimizing energy waste and adopting solar and alternative energy sources, can significantly reduce resource consumption.

Special attention is being given to the Fergana Valley, where population density is higher than in other regions. Tailored energy supply solutions are being developed, with plans to expand successful models to other areas across the country.