We aim to make Central Asia a hub for “clean energy” — Mirziyoyev

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a speech today, January 14, at the "Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Week" summit in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The summit is being attended by key leaders, including President Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan of the UAE, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of Finland, along with heads of state and representatives from various countries, international organizations, and financial institutions.

The forum's agenda covers crucial issues such as sustainable development, promoting innovation, advancing the "green" economy, and fostering regional interconnectivity.

In his speech, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that diversifying energy sources and significantly reducing the reliance on hydrocarbons are essential steps in mitigating the impacts of climate change, ensuring sustainable development, and enhancing global security.

He highlighted Uzbekistan's commitment to sustainable energy by noting that the country has developed a long-term strategy for low-carbon development, as well as a national program for "green" financing. The President also announced plans to increase the "green" components in investment projects by up to 50 percent within the next five years.

Mirziyoyev further shared that efforts are underway to establish national systems for monitoring greenhouse gases and implementing emission trading quotas. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent, with plans for gradual increases in this commitment.

Under the "Green Space" program, at least 30 percent of urban areas will be transformed into green spaces. Additionally, comprehensive measures are being implemented to introduce 100% water-saving technologies in agriculture.

The President also underscored the rapid development of "green" energy sources, aiming to meet the growing energy demands of the country's expanding economy.

"Over the past five years, nearly $20 billion in foreign investment has been attracted to Uzbekistan’s energy sector, and 9.6 gigawatts of modern energy capacity have been commissioned. Specifically, 14 solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of 3.5 gigawatts and two storage systems with a total capacity of 300 megawatts have been brought online," President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

He further reported that more than 50 large projects, valued at over $26 billion and totaling 24 gigawatts in capacity, are currently being implemented in partnership with foreign investors. Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix to 54 percent by 2030.

"Today, 'green' development has evolved into a nationwide movement in Uzbekistan," the President said.

Mirziyoyev also stressed the importance of enhancing regional cooperation in this area and transforming Central Asia into a leading center for "green" economic development and "clean energy."

Notably, the first steps have already been taken toward revitalizing the ancient Great Silk Road through energy interconnections. A multilateral agreement recently signed with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan at the COP-29 summit will enable the export of "green" energy to Europe.

"I would like to emphasize that the United Arab Emirates is a reliable and strategic partner for us in the field of 'green' energy," President Mirziyoyev remarked.

It was reported that in recent years, Uzbekistan’s investment portfolio with the UAE has exceeded $26 billion, with renewable energy projects serving as the main driver. Five power plants with a total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts have been commissioned in collaboration with the Masdar company. Additionally, three more generation projects, totaling 1.6 gigawatts, and energy storage systems with a capacity of about 520 megawatt-hours are set to be built. Similar projects are also being implemented with leading companies from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and China.

Uzbekistan’s interest in jointly harnessing the vast potential of Central Asia in producing solar, hydro, wind energy, and "green" hydrogen. Preliminary estimates suggest that Uzbekistan alone holds the potential to generate 500 gigawatts of solar power, 100 gigawatts of wind power, and 10 gigawatts of hydropower.

"We are ready to create all favorable conditions for each of our foreign partners in this direction," the President stated.

Mirziyoyev also encouraged the prestigious scientific centers, experts, and researchers attending the conference to actively collaborate with the "Green" University, which was recently opened in Tashkent, in advancing research and innovation programs. He proposed the creation of an international scientific research network based at the university to combat land degradation and desertification.

At both the COP-28 and COP-29 summits in Dubai and Baku, as well as other international forums, Uzbekistan put forward several initiatives aimed at addressing the adverse effects of global climate change. These initiatives include the establishment of an international center for assessing climate-related losses and damages, ensuring the safety of river ecosystems, organizing a regional hub for water-saving technologies, and creating a Plant Genetic Resources Bank.

"We are ready to begin practical work with all our partners in this regard," said the President.

The President also announced that a regional Green Development Concept would be presented at an upcoming conference on global climate issues in Central Asia, scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan later this year. Representatives from the countries participating in the summit were invited to the Global Youth Festival of Digital "Green" Initiatives, which will be held in the Aral Sea region on May 15—coinciding with International Climate Day.