Uzbekistan Launches Renewable Energy Initiative with Global Participation

On December 5, 2025, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, celebrated the launch of a significant renewable energy initiative, marking the start of construction for new energy capacities and infrastructure projects valued at $11 billion.

This initiative includes 16 solar, wind, thermal, and hydro power plants worth $3.3 billion, with a total capacity of 3.5 gigawatts. It is expected that these new facilities will contribute an additional billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to Uzbekistan's grid annually, bringing the total green energy production to 23 billion kilowatt-hours by 2026, sufficient to meet the country's electricity needs.

The transition to renewable energy aims to reduce methane consumption by nearly 7 billion cubic meters and prevent 11 million tons of harmful emissions. The initiative also features 10 energy storage systems with a total capacity of 1,245 megawatts, supplying 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours during peak loads, alongside the commissioning of 11 large substations and 420 kilometers of high-voltage networks.

Notably, China is expected to invest over $15 billion in Uzbekistan, contributing to more than 30 energy projects worth nearly $90 billion as part of China's Belt and Road strategy. During the initiative's launch, President Mirziyoyev met with various Chinese energy leaders, and discussions included expanding photovoltaic plants, workforce training, and introducing renewable energy in agriculture.

Other international representatives, including energy ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan, attended the event, alongside corporate leaders from ACWA Power, Voltalia, TotalEnergies, and Siemens Energy.

Uzbekistan aims to become a key component of a green energy corridor for electricity exports to Europe and positions itself as a hub for data centers. The energy transition reflects a broader shift away from fossil fuels, contrasting sharply with current U.S. policies favoring fossil fuel investments.

According to reports, Uzbekistan's energy policy emphasizes the importance of modern, environmentally friendly, and renewable energy sources as the country strives to meet the growing energy demands of its economy and population.