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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.
The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday, exclusively to Reuters.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeted three vessels, seizing two of them for alleged maritime violations and transferring them to Iranian shores, as U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is extending its ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a proposal.
Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen on Thursday (23 April), injuring 17 people, five of them critically, according to emergency services.
The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tehran said U.S. breaches, blockades and threats are undermining “genuine negotiations.”
The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Residents in central Gaza are preparing to vote in municipal elections this weekend, marking the first ballot in the Strip since 2006. The vote in Deir al-Balah is being watched closely as a rare indication of public sentiment, including towards Hamas.
United Nations experts have urged the Indian authorities to release Jagtar Singh Johal, who was arrested in Punjab in late 2017 and has remained in prison since. Allegations have been made that he was tortured and threatened with death in custody.
Central Asian leaders have warned that worsening water shortages now pose a direct threat to regional stability, urging coordinated action and stronger international engagement.
The European Union says its envoy Gilles Bertrand raised concerns over women’s rights, regional security and cross-border tensions during a visit to Kabul, while Afghan officials urged more development aid, trade access and continued dialogue.
Russia has confirmed the suspension of Kazakh oil shipments to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline, citing technical reasons, in a move that could disrupt refinery supplies in eastern Germany.
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