Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 26 March, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on improving energy efficiency and the rational use of energy resources.

It was noted that industrial sectors account for the largest share of energy consumption. Many enterprises, built in previous years, fail to meet modern environmental and energy efficiency standards, and their modernization has long been neglected. As a result, some regions have faced power and gas supply disruptions, while energy consumption and losses at factories remain high.

In recent years, energy efficiency principles have been introduced into Uzbekistan’s economy, and a special program has been developed for large enterprises and the energy sector. This is particularly relevant given projections that by 2030, Uzbekistan’s population will reach 41 million, and the economy will double in size, leading to a 1.5-fold increase in energy demand. To meet these needs, Uzbekistan must implement energy-saving measures alongside the launch of new power capacities.

Officials reported on ongoing efforts. Scientists have been assessing energy-saving potential in regions such as Samarkand, Syrdarya, and Jizzakh, identifying opportunities to reduce consumption by 870 million kWh of electricity and 420 million cubic meters of gas. For example, replacing 35,000 outdated industrial units at small and medium enterprises in these regions could save 385 million kWh of electricity and 50 million cubic meters of gas annually.

Rural areas and mahallas also present significant energy-saving potential. This year, the construction of 300 small solar power plants with a total capacity of 100 MW is expected to save 45 million cubic meters of gas. Additionally, over 1,000 micro-hydropower plants on canals and streams will generate 175 million kWh of electricity.

Another key initiative is modernizing street lighting, which consumes 200 million kWh of electricity annually. Switching to solar-powered streetlights could cut this figure by half. In total, Uzbekistan aims to save 1.1 billion cubic meters of gas and 2.6 billion kWh of electricity in 2025.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to adopt modern energy-saving technologies and reduce energy losses, particularly at large industrial enterprises. The government has been tasked with establishing an effective energy control system.

Furthermore, the president highlighted the importance of promoting energy conservation in both industry and households. The widespread use of solar panels and alternative energy sources will help significantly reduce unnecessary electricity and gas consumption.

Special attention has been given to the Fergana Valley, where high population density requires a tailored energy supply approach. Uzbekistan plans to expand these energy-saving initiatives to other regions in the future.