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Uzbekistan aims to develop sectors that have low energy consumption and high added value.

В Узбекистане намерены развивать сектора с низким потреблением энергии и высокой добавленной стоимостью.

It was noted that in connection with the announcement of 2025 as the Year of Environmental Protection and "Green Economy" in the country, a draft state program was developed, which underwent public discussion for a month. The document was reviewed by 11 million citizens, and more than 100 of the most relevant proposals were included in the program. Structures of the United Nations and representatives of other organizations expressed their readiness to cooperate in the implementation of the program.

One of the key areas of the state program is energy.

Thanks to active work in recent years, the share of "green" energy in the country's total capacity has reached 16 percent. This year, it is planned to increase this figure to 26 percent. To achieve this, 16 large solar and wind power plants with a capacity of 3.5 gigawatts, 5 large hydropower plants with a capacity of 160 megawatts, and energy storage facilities with a volume of 1.8 gigawatts will be commissioned.

The head of state has instructed to additionally develop projects with a capacity of 1 gigawatt.

Moreover, the installation of solar panels in state enterprises, industrial and service complexes, and homes will continue to be encouraged. For these purposes, 2 trillion sums in loans will be allocated.

Based on the experience of School No. 19 in the Bayavut district of the Syrdarya region, the implementation of heat pumps in kindergartens, schools, and hospitals will be expanded.

It was emphasized that the "green economy" is not only about developing clean energy but also about enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors.

This year, the goal is set to maintain economic growth at a rate of at least 6 percent and increase the gross domestic product to over 125 billion dollars. Key factors for achieving this are rationality and savings.

In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy and Finance has been tasked with developing a program aimed at reducing costs by 15-20 percent and increasing added value through energy efficiency.

The head of state emphasized that it is time to transition to a resource-saving economic model.

For example, in the electrical engineering, automotive, pharmaceutical, and food industries, the added value per ton of energy consumed is 15-20 times higher than in the chemical, construction, and textile sectors.

The goal is to develop sectors with low energy consumption and high added value, as well as to ensure resource savings in the aforementioned areas. It has been determined to conduct energy audits and implement savings technologies at 400 large enterprises with high energy consumption.

In the near future, developed countries will only purchase products produced using "green technologies." Therefore, this issue is already receiving special attention. This year, 15 percent of production and infrastructure projects will be environmentally friendly, and by 2027, their share will reach 30 percent, while by 2030, it will be 55 percent. To support low-carbon projects, 300 million dollars will be attracted from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and other organizations.

When constructing energy complexes, equipment and components worth 4 billion dollars will be produced at domestic enterprises. This will increase the share of the "green component" in major projects from 25 to 31 percent.

As part of the "Yashil Makon" program, 200 million trees are planted annually. Over the past three years, 698 gardens and 316 public parks have been created. Green areas of approximately 2 million hectares have been established on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea.

In continuation of these efforts, 18 forestry enterprises specializing in seedling cultivation will be established this year. Based on the principle of "science - project - practice," selection work will be strengthened, seed-growing laboratories, intensive experimental plots, and "mother" plantations will be organized.

In these enterprises, it is planned to grow 123 million seedlings by 2025. A platform called "Yashil Olam" will be launched, where seedlings can be purchased online.

Businesses that green their territory and use environmentally friendly equipment and materials in production will be granted the status of "green entrepreneur." This will be taken into account in the entrepreneurs' rating. They will receive comprehensive support in obtaining a "green certificate" and finding new markets.

At the meeting, responsible officials reported on the tasks outlined in the draft state program, as well as plans for its implementation.