QAZAQ GREEN.  Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced measures to encourage the population to use renewable energy sources, the Uzbek presidential press service reports.

Uzbekistan has a need for an additional 2 to 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, he said. It is expected to grow to 10 billion kilowatt-hours within the next five years.

The most effective way in this situation is to expand the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in homes, businesses, kindergartens, schools and hospitals.

In order to encourage Uzbek people to widely introduce devices based on renewable energy sources, a new system of support for the population and entrepreneurs has been defined.

For each installed equipment for generating electricity from solar and wind energy, depending on its capacity, compensation will be provided up to 15 million soums ($1,350), and for water heating equipment based on these energy sources - up to 2 million soums ($180). Instead of compensation, an opportunity will be given to take the equipment in installments for 3 years without interest.

“Today's issue is of national importance. We must start first with ourselves. Each khokim, minister, leaders of all levels should set a personal example and install alternative energy equipment in their homes and at work,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Another advantage is that people do not have to visit any office. All documents will be issued at the place of purchase of equipment. This system will be implemented at the expense of a special fund of the Ministry of Energy.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed to digitize the entire process and launch the new system from September 1 this year.