Uzbekistan has made impressive progress in renewable energy development and emerged as a significant player in the global fight against climate change, showcasing a strong commitment to green development and environmental sustainability over recent years. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during his address at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit on January 14, 2025, outlined Uzbekistan’s ambitious renewable energy goals, substantial foreign investments, and the nation’s increasing role in advancing sustainability on regional and international platforms. He emphasized the urgent need for cleaner energy solutions to ensure environmental stability and transitioning to a resource-efficient green economic development model.
Uzbekistan’s comprehensive approach to sustainability through large-scale investments, extensive institutional reforms, and enhancing the strategic international partnerships making significant progress in mitigating the effects of climate change and measures to build a greener future.
Progress in Green Energy Policies
Uzbekistan has made significant strides in institutionalizing environmental policies to support its sustainability agenda. The adoption of a Green Economy Strategy has been complemented by the establishment of essential bodies like the Interdepartmental Council and the Climate Council under the President. The administration has included environmental protection provisions in the updated Constitution, reinforcing the prioritization of environmental stability at the state level.
The country is also focusing on its ambitious plan to increase the share of renewable energy to 54% by 2030 to achieve a greener and sustainable economy. Nearly $20 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Uzbekistan’s energy sector has facilitated the creation of 9.6 gigawatts of new energy capacity, including fourteen solar and wind power plants and advanced energy storage systems.
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan’s renewable energy potential is staggering: preliminary studies estimate the country could generate 500 gigawatts of solar power, 100 gigawatts of wind energy, and 10 gigawatts of hydropower. Additionally, the country is leading innovation in water-saving technologies within the agriculture sector, aiming for 100% adoption of such systems across the industry. Urban areas are also undergoing a transformation, with 30% of city spaces set to be converted into green zones under the Green Space Program.
In 2021, the launching of Yashil Makon (Green Space), a national environmental initiative, is aimed at increasing forested and green areas to 12.4% by 2030. This initiative includes the development of parks, afforestation efforts, and the preservation of ecological balance. Uzbekistan is advancing its green agenda through the Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy, which integrates waste management systems, renewable energy projects, and extensive environmental legislation reforms by aligning these domestic reforms with the country’s international commitments.
These efforts gain additional significance as Uzbekistan has declared 2025 the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy,” aiming to foster greater synergy between the nation’s sustainable development priorities and international collaboration in green initiatives.
Strengthening Regional and Global Cooperation
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted initiatives such as the revitalisation of the Great Silk Road through energy connectivity. A notable achievement in this regard is the multilateral agreement that was signed between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan at COP29 to export green energy to Europe. At COP28 and COP29, Uzbekistan had introduced several transformative initiatives, such as the creation of an International Centre for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment, a regional hub for water-saving technologies, and a plant genetic resources bank.
President Shavkat’s leadership in regional climate efforts is evident in its success with the Green Agenda for Central Asia, adopted in 2022, and the development of a joint Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the region. In 2023, Tashkent inaugurated the Central Asian University for Environment and Climate Change Studies (Green University), which has since hosted climate science forums featuring international experts.
Globally, Uzbekistan has emerged as a proactive participant in environmental diplomacy, proposing three major UN resolutions. These include recognizing the Aral Sea region as a zone of environmental innovation (2021) and launching initiatives on sustainable forest management and regional environmental cooperation in Central Asia (2023).
Uzbekistan’s partnerships with countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have accelerated the pace of green energy development. Collaborations with UAE-based Masdar have led to the establishment of five renewable energy projects totalling 1.5 gigawatts, with three additional projects under development, adding another 1.6 gigawatts and a 520 megawatt-hour energy storage facility. The total value of Uzbekistan’s investment portfolio with the UAE exceeds $26 billion, with renewable energy projects forming the cornerstone of this collaboration. Other partnerships include agreements with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and China to enhance Uzbekistan’s capacity for renewable energy production and transmission. The Green Corridor Alliance, established during COP29, is a joint venture between Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan aimed at advancing green energy development and exports.
Looking to the future, Uzbekistan plans to strengthen its role as a hub for green development in Central Asia. President Mirziyoyev announced the upcoming presentation of the Green Development Concept for Central Asia at the Central Asia Climate Change Conference, to be held in Uzbekistan later this year. Additionally, the Global Youth Digital Green Initiatives Festival will take place on International Climate Day (May 15) in the Aral Sea region. This event will spotlight youth-led innovations and solutions for climate action, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership plays a huge role in environmental reforms and international initiatives that underscore the country’s commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable future for its citizens and the global community and made Uzbekistan an international player for green development. From pioneering renewable energy projects to fostering regional climate dialogues, the country is laying the groundwork for long-term ecological stability and economic growth. As the country continues to align its domestic reforms with global climate goals, Uzbekistan’s example serves as an inspiring testament to the power of green development and international cooperation in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram is an Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF).
