Uzbekistan is pursuing a dual-track development strategy, combining the expansion of its energy sector with an ambitious environmental agenda, as new oil and gas projects on the Ustyurt Plateau progress alongside large-scale greening initiatives.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on measures to stabilise gas production and expand hydrocarbon reserves. The projects involve cooperation between Uzbekneftegaz, Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and British energy major BP.
According to officials, the Ustyurt initiative is expected to attract around $2 billion in investment. The plateau is estimated to contain up to 100 million tonnes of oil and 35 billion cubic metres of natural gas. Annual oil production could reach 5 million tonnes - approximately 2.5 times Uzbekistan’s current import levels - with initial extraction planned within the next three to five years.
Authorities are also prioritising the stabilisation of gas output through intensified geological exploration and the introduction of advanced technologies, including cooperation with international firms such as Boston Consulting Group and Schlumberger. These efforts aim to strengthen energy security and ensure a stable supply amid growing domestic demand.
Alongside energy expansion, Uzbekistan is accelerating its environmental reforms under the nationwide “Yashil Makon” programme. A new presidential decree outlines plans to significantly increase green coverage across the country.
By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to raise greening levels from 14.2% to 30%, in line with international standards. Green space per capita is set to expand to 9–10 square metres, while concentrations of harmful air pollutants, including PM2.5 and PM10, are expected to decline by 20–25%. In regions with harsher climates, average temperatures could decrease by 1.5–2°C as a result of expanded vegetation.
As part of the initiative, at least 100 hectares of botanical and dendrological gardens will be created across the regions by 2028. These areas will be granted protected status and used for scientific, educational and environmental purposes, including collaboration with “green” educational institutions.
The decree also introduces new mechanisms to encourage public and private participation. Individuals planting at least 100 trees or contributing a minimum of 10 million soums will receive “eco-active citizen” status, while larger contributions - such as planting 50,000 trees or donating 5 billion soums (approximately $350,000) - will qualify for “patron” recognition.
In addition, Uzbekistan plans to launch a “green ticket” system, enabling citizens and businesses to calculate and offset the carbon footprint of transport and goods. Funds generated through this system will be directed exclusively towards tree planting and maintenance.
Officials say the simultaneous push for energy development and environmental protection reflects a broader national priority: ensuring economic growth while mitigating long-term ecological risks.
As Uzbekistan moves to expand hydrocarbon production and reduce reliance on imports, parallel investments in green infrastructure and emissions reduction are expected to play a key role in shaping a more sustainable development model.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was ready to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s ...
World leaders gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, global security and diplomacy set...
A former Rwandan official has appeared in a London court, becoming the first person in the UK to face charges linked to the 1994 genocide against t...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was ready to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure, and food exports, as he prepared to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in New York.
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes military action against Tehran.
Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday.
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Service has said.
Russian parliamentary elections have delivered a comfortable win to the ruling United Russia party, which is closely aligned to President Vladimir Putin. With more than 95 per cent of ballots counted, United Russia has taken 57.83 per cent of the vote, up from the 49.8 per cent it won in 2021.
The Houthi offensive in Yemen is extending beyond the country's civil war, adding pressure to two of the Middle East's most important maritime trade routes and raising risks for energy, shipping and food supplies.
A gunman opened fire near a high school in western Türkiye on Tuesday morning, injuring 11 people before being detained by police, according to local authorities.
Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday.
A drone attack that forced Saudi Arabia to shut its East-West Pipeline on 13 September exposed how much the Kingdom still depends on the Strait of Hormuz, even with a major alternative route in place.
Nearly 130,000 people have been forced from their homes in Yemen in recent weeks as fighting intensifies along the country’s west coast, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment