Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Experts from the Institute for Forecasting and Macroeconomic Research (IPMI) have calculated the potential volume of biofuel production from food waste in Uzbekistan.

Biofuel is a fuel obtained directly or indirectly from biomass. The two most common biofuels in use today are bioethanol and biodiesel.

Biofuels are used as fuel in Europe, the USA and many other countries. In the US, approximately 97% of gasoline contains some ethanol, while in Brazil all brands of gasoline contain 20-25% ethanol.

In Uzbekistan, about 3 million tons of food waste is produced annually.

The production of biofuels from food waste contributes to the parallel solution of two problems: the first is an environmental problem, through the disposal of food waste, the second is the satisfaction of energy needs in a growing economy and population.

The analysis revealed:

1. In the case of complete conversion of food waste into bioethanol (E100) or biodiesel (B100), the potential production volume will be 1.11 billion liters. and 1.02 billion liters. respectively.

2. The use of biofuels in gasoline and diesel vehicles contributes to reduction of CO2 emissions by 1.6 million tons (by 21%);

3. Given that every kilogram of food waste emits an average of 2.5 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, improper disposal of 3 million tons of food waste can release 7.5 million tons of greenhouse gases.

The introduction of the use of biofuels will allow fulfilling certain parameters of the Strategy for the transition of the Republic of Uzbekistan to a "green" economy for the period 2019-2030, the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Waste", the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the ratification of the Paris Agreement, as well as an additional commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030 compared to 2010 figures at the 26th session of the UN Conference.