Uzbekistan launches energy-efficiency programme aligned with WTO accession

Uzbekistan launches energy-efficiency programme aligned with WTO accession
WTO DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, 19 September 2023.
Uzbekistan Government

The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan announced a nationwide energy-efficiency programme designed to reduce consumption, modernise standards and meet key obligations under the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

According to the ministry, the reforms introduce 166 international standards across the construction and industrial sectors, with the share of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials expected to reach 25% by 2026 and 35% by 2030.

This includes standards for insulation, heating systems, lighting, industrial equipment and building-material production.

Energy audits conducted at 34 major enterprises have already helped reduce fuel waste, and the introduction of digital monitoring systems and artificial-intelligence tools is projected to reduce industrial production costs by 5–10%.

To strengthen product quality and safety in line with the new standards, 4 scientific projects are being implemented jointly with the Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute, involving researchers from Germany, Korea and Türkiye.

These projects focus on upgrading production technology and developing new energy-efficient construction materials.

Beginning in 2026, the government will allocate 30 billion UZS (approximately $2.52 million) to support laboratory testing, certification systems and pilot production lines in the building-materials sector.

Implementation of measures from 2026

The first stage of implementation beginning in 2026 will include:

- conversion to LED lighting in all public institutions.
- expanded installation of smart meters in households and businesses.
- mandatory energy passports for buildings larger than 200 m².
- higher construction-efficiency standards aligned with international best practices.
- digitalisation of energy-management systems.

A nationwide public-awareness campaign on efficient energy use will also launch next year. To support these reforms, the government has allocated 100 billion UZS (around $8.39 million) for digitalisation and efficiency upgrades across priority sectors.

For reference, Uzbekistan began its WTO accession process on 21 December 1994, when its Working Party was formally established.

Officials emphasise that the current energy-efficiency programme is closely tied to the requirements of this long-running accession effort.

The Ministry states that the reforms will help modernise energy management, reduce system losses and increase the competitiveness of Uzbek goods in foreign markets.

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