Antalya:Uzbekistan is actively seeking to enhance its renewable energy sector by partnering with Turkish companies, aiming for a significant increase in the share of renewable energy in its electricity production by 2030. The country's strategy involves boosting renewable energy to account for 54% of its total electricity production within the next decade.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Uzbek Ambassador to Ankara Ilham Haydarov emphasized the country's new green initiatives, highlighting efforts to improve air quality, combat desertification, and raise public environmental awareness. These initiatives were discussed at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) held in Antalya.
Haydarov revealed plans for opening specialized green high schools to educate approximately 10,000 students in environmental studies during the 2028-2029 academic year. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the first High-Level Council meeting in Tashkent, with participation from over 300 Turkish firms, as a follow-up to discussions between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The ambassador urged Turkish companies to engage in long-term partnerships focusing on solar, wind, hydroelectric power, green hydrogen, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He stated that Uzbekistan views Turkish firms as crucial partners in technology and expressed optimism for joint green transformation projects.
Haydarov outlined Uzbekistan's 2030 strategy, which emphasizes efficient water use, environmental protection, and green space expansion, including new vegetation projects across the Aral Sea basin and desert regions. The country aims to generate 22,000 megawatts of new energy capacity, with annual output exceeding 129 billion kilowatt-hours.
Uzbekistan has invested $35 billion in its energy sector in recent years, raising the renewable energy share to 31% of total production. In October, the country signed agreements for six major energy projects valued at $4.7 billion, expected to establish 3,000 megawatts of generation capacity and 400 megawatts of storage.