QAZAQ GREEN. Uzbekistan plans to launch an ambitious energy efficiency programme, which includes equipping at least 50% of building and house roofs with solar panels, reports Podrobno.uz.

In an interview with O'zbekiston 24 TV channel, Energy Minister Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov shared details about the initiative. He revealed that as part of the programme, new projects will be implemented to create an additional 1 gigawatt of green energy capacity, supplementing the 3.5 gigawatts already planned. Additionally, approximately 3,000 small hydropower plants are expected to be commissioned over the next two years.

The minister also highlighted the critical role of solar technologies in the country’s energy transition. “Instructions have been issued, and a programme has been developed to install solar panels and collectors on at least half of the roof areas of residential and household buildings,” Mirzamakhmudov said.

This initiative aims to boost the share of renewable energy in Uzbekistan’s energy mix and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.

The programme also includes measures to modernise energy-inefficient enterprises and strategies to save electricity, natural gas, and heat.

The announcement follows a meeting led by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the draft state programme, titled “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.”