Energy policymakers, scientists, and public figures from Uzbekistan and European Union countries, as well as representatives of IFIs gathered in Tashkent for the international conference “Energy Efficiency in Uzbekistan: Prospects and Challenges”.
It was organized by the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of Uzbekistan and the European Union SECCA project. The event took place in the framework of the campaign “EU-Uzbekistan: Sustainable Energy Days 2023”.
The main objective of the conference was to discuss and develop practical actions and the opportunity to exchange experiences on the implementation of energy efficiency policies.
Addressing the participants of the conference, Charlotte Adrian, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, said: “To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, energy efficiency must be a priority. By using energy more efficiently and consuming less, we can help protect the environment, mitigate the negative effects of climate change and improve energy security. Uzbekistan is undertaking wide-ranging energy sector reform aimed at improving energy efficiency and increasing the share of clean and renewable energy sources. The EU welcomes Uzbekistan’s commitments and achievements on the transition to sustainable energy and appreciates the progress made in reforming the energy sector thanks to the efforts of the Uzbek government and the Uzbek people. We encourage the country to continue its efforts on the path to a green transition.
In turn, Shukhrat Vafayev, Director General of the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan noted: «Several important documents have been adopted. “In 2019 we adopted the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the use of renewable energy sources” and “On public-private partnership”, in 2020 the Law “On the rational use of energy” in a new version. We also ratified the Paris Agreement and adopted several Government Resolutions regulating work in this area. Our goal is to increase energy efficiency throughout the country by 20% by 2026 and 1.5 times by 2030. We also aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2026 and to ensure that 14 GW of new renewable energy facilities are put into operation by 2030. The experience of the European Union in the field of energy efficiency is a striking example, which we can apply in Uzbekistan».
They also spoke at the conference about the fact that today the government of Uzbekistan is reviewing policies and implementation mechanisms to improve end-use energy efficiency. Therefore, now is the right time to discuss with the key stakeholders at the national level, international donors, and partners further actions in this area.
During the conference, the participants also discussed the policy and legal framework for promoting energy efficiency in end-use, collection of energy consumption data, energy audit in industry, energy efficiency in residential and public buildings, and other relevant issues. At the end of the conference, the participants agreed to work together to develop and implement sustainable energy policies and projects in Uzbekistan.