Small solar power plants to be built for “difficult” districts and neighborhoods

In Uzbekistan, small 300-kilowatt solar power plants will be built in 903 “difficult” districts and neighborhoods to ensure a stable electricity supply. This was announced at a videoconference meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on January 23, dedicated to the main tasks to be implemented in 2026 to reduce poverty and increase employment.

It was noted that the meeting comprehensively reviewed issues related to job creation and income growth in “difficult” districts and neighborhoods. First and foremost, the need to resolve the issue of stable electricity supply in such areas was emphasized.

To this end, a 300-kilowatt small solar power plant will be built in each of the 903 neighborhoods and transferred to them as a non-repayable asset. Based on the “green” energy generated by these plants, an economic asset capable of generating an additional 400–500 million soums in income annually will emerge in each neighborhood.

This “green” income will be directed toward the implementation of environmentally friendly measures. In particular, the funds will be used to carry out energy-efficient renovations of low-income households, reduce energy costs, and improve living conditions.

Residents from low-income families living in these neighborhoods will be employed to operate the solar power plants. In addition, 6,700 households with members with Group I disabilities and no able-bodied family members will be renovated to improve energy efficiency.

These measures will also be implemented in an additional 1,000 advanced neighborhoods with a high level of specialization. The small solar power plants will be provided to neighborhoods in ready-to-use condition under interest-free leasing arrangements for a period of seven years.