QAZAQ GREEN.  Uzbekistan has achieved a significant milestone in its clean energy transition by registering its first solar power plant in the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) system. The solar photovoltaic station, developed by «Texnopark» LLC with a capacity of 823 kW, is now eligible to issue I-REC(E) certificates, formally recognizing its contribution to renewable electricity generation, Information Service of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance reported.

The announcement was made during a high-level roundtable on July 30, hosted by the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies under the theme «Advancing Uzbekistan’s Low-Carbon Strategy and Green Energy Certification for a Net-Zero Future.» The event gathered officials from government ministries, international organizations, private companies, and financial institutions to discuss Uzbekistan’s path to carbon neutrality by 2055.

A key highlight of the roundtable was a presentation by the I-TRACK Foundation and the Center of Green Economy Projects, focusing on the I-REC certification system, its implementation in Uzbekistan, and its global relevance. Discussions also addressed the upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a new EU regulation that will apply a carbon tax on certain imported goods starting January 1, 2026. Participants emphasized the importance of I-REC(E) certificates in helping Uzbek exporters mitigate the impact of CBAM and remain competitive in European markets.

An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Texnopark LLC to facilitate the issuance of I-REC(E) certificates in the country. These certificates verify the generation of 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity from renewable sources and are widely used to support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, attract sustainable finance, and boost export potential.

To date, Uzbekistan has issued more than 344,000 renewable energy certificates, with four hydropower plants under «Uzbekhydroenergo» JSC already registered in the international I-REC system. Texnopark’s facility marks the country’s first solar project to be included.

Early adopters of I-REC(E) certificates in Uzbekistan include leading names such as Uzsanoatqurilishbank, British-American Tobacco Uzbekistan, Knauf, UzAuto Motors, and Navoiyuran. The growing interest from textile manufacturers and data centers signals strong momentum in the market for certified green energy.

Globally, the I-REC system is operational in nearly 60 countries and has issued over 200 million certificates, enabling companies worldwide to track and prove their use of renewable electricity.