Uzbekistan is making strides toward becoming a key player in the green energy sector, with ambitious plans to export electricity to Europe by 2030. This initiative aims to utilize the country’s abundant renewable resources and create sustainable energy partnerships with neighboring nations. At the forefront of this are significant investments and projects focused on energy integration and sustainability.
The government has already commenced discussions with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, focusing on how electricity will flow from Uzbekistan to Europe. According to the Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, this will involve laying deep-sea cables across the Caspian Sea. The plan entails tapping Kazakh electricity, moving it through the common energy system of Central Asia, and then sending it under the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan. From there, the electricity will pass through Georgia and utilize cables beneath the Black Sea to reach countries like Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria. This linked approach aligns with broader regional energy goals and enhances economic ties.
Currently, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy has set ambitious targets to export between 2 to 5 gigawatts of electricity sourced from renewable energy programs. By 2030, they expect generation capacity from renewable sources to surpass 20 gigawatts. Such growth not only highlights the country’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources but also recognizes the pressing global needs for sustainable energy.
Meanwhile, the effects of climate change have resulted in substantial challenges for farmers across Uzbekistan. Aiming to tackle this, the government has introduced innovative solutions like drip irrigation systems to improve agricultural efficiency and reduce water wastage. One of the recent projects is located in the Akkurgan District of the Tashkent Region, where new drip irrigation systems are now operational.
This initiative boasts advanced water management techniques, including solar-powered pumps drawing water from deep wells to irrigate areas previously constrained by inconsistent water supply. The EU Delegation has pointed out significant savings of up to 60% in water usage, compared to traditional irrigation methods, marking a win for both the environment and farmers alike.
Drip irrigation currently services about 0.8 hectares of land and benefits ten households. The ingenious use of solar energy allows excess electricity generated by the systems to be sold back to the national grid, thereby assisting with the operational costs of maintaining this sustainable irrigation model.
Supported by various local and international entities, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union, these initiatives aim to advance agricultural practices, support farmer-led initiatives, and empower local communities through better resources. The UNDP's collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture has particularly focused on creating climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices. Their joint efforts are reinforced by the project titled "Supporting an Inclusive Transition to a Green Economy," which strives to develop Uzbekistan's agricultural knowledge and innovation systems.
Adding to the narrative of modernization within Uzbekistan's agronomy, the UNDP also hosted recent training sessions aimed at enhancing value chains within the agriculture sector. Held from August 5-7, 2024, these sessions covered production processes for various processed agricultural products, encouraging farmers and agro-producers to adopt newer, more efficient techniques.
Participants engaged with expert-led discussions on topics like environmentally-friendly technology, improving market access, and developing business models suited to contemporary agricultural challenges. This capacity-building effort signals the commitment to not only advancing technology but also fostering community involvement and grassroots entrepreneurship.
A value chain, as described by the experts, refers to the complete lifecycle of a product, from initial production to reaching the consumer. Optimizing these chains improves overall efficiency, reduces operational costs, and boosts profitability for producers.
The program includes two stages, with the first focusing on imparting the necessary knowledge and tools to empower farmers. The second phase will spotlight outstanding projects, offering them consultancy and technical support to cement the practical application of what was learned.
The engagement at these events reflects the government's vision of inclusive economic growth, promoting sustainable practices and building resilient economic frameworks across the regions. Projects like "Aid for Trade in Central Asia – Phase V," funded by the Government of Finland, work to strengthen resilience within Central Asia’s economic structure and diversify markets.
Thus, as Uzbekistan navigates through the intricacies of global energy demands and local agricultural challenges, these combined efforts underscore the nation’s pathway toward sustainable energy solutions and enhanced food security. By integrating green energy and modern agricultural practices, Uzbekistan is not just adapting to climate change but actively working to mitigate its effects, positioning itself as both a regional leader and contributor to global energy markets.
