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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.
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.
Four people were killed, including a child, in Ukrainian strikes on the Russian port city of Novorossiysk overnight, according to the governor of the Krasnodar region. Ukraine's drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, said Russian military ships were destroyed in the attacks.
A TV channel was struck during a live broadcast on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least three people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Meanwhile, drones hit civilian infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Saratov region.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly launched two ballistic missile attacks against a U.S. Navy warship over the past two days.
Wildfires have broken out in Türkiye’s Antalya province, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate as strong winds fuelled the flames.
U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Kazakhstan is stepping up investment in the Middle Corridor as rising freight volumes and demand for more diverse trade links drive the rapid expansion of the route connecting Asia and Europe.
Georgia’s International Maritime Forum has closed in Batumi with officials setting out investment targets, timelines and technical plans aimed at expanding the Middle Corridor and strengthening the country’s role in global trade.
Iran says it has delivered on its promise of a “faster, heavier and more painful” response to Washington, striking U.S. bases, warships and commercial vessels early on Wednesday.
Central Asian foreign ministers have marked 20 years since a landmark nuclear-free treaty, reaffirming their commitment to regional security, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
Saudi Arabia’s international leisure tourism industry is forecast to grow by 93 per cent between 2025 and 2030, as the kingdom expands beyond religious travel. The figures were presented during WTM Spotlight Riyadh, where industry leaders discussed the growing tourism market.
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