Issues of increasing energy efficiency and developing the energy market were discussed

On January 14, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on improving energy efficiency and introducing market mechanisms in the electricity supply sector.

According to the analysis of international experts, Uzbekistan is among the most energy-intensive countries. In particular, almost 50 percent of final energy consumption in our country comes from buildings, and energy consumption per square meter is several times higher than in European countries.

In this regard, a separate agency was created last year to implement systemic reforms in the field of energy efficiency. The new structure is tasked with reducing energy consumption in the economy by at least 20 percent by 2030, and in government agencies and social organizations by 15 percent.

The presentation examined the agency's work plans for 2026.

Most of the buildings in our country were built in the 60-70s of the last century, and their level energy losses remain high. Therefore, it is planned to launch large-scale work to improve the energy efficiency of social facilities and residential areas. This year, 150 billion soums of subsidies and compensation will be allocated for these purposes.

It is noted that when increasing the energy efficiency of social facilities, of which there are more than 30 thousand in the republic, it is necessary to pay special attention to expanding the participation of international financial institutions and attracting private investment.

So, within the framework of this year’s investment program, 770 social facilities will be built modernized based on energy efficiency standards. Funds from international financial institutions in the amount of $264 million will be attracted for this purpose.

The issues of developing mechanisms for generating income through energy saving - the development of services of energy service companies (ESCO), as well as the formation of an appropriate market were also considered.

Plans were reported on the widespread use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in conducting energy audits of buildings, as well as in the design and modeling of facilities based on energy efficiency standards.

Specific plans to improve energy efficiency in the industrial sector have been identified. In particular, it is planned to install solar panels at 142 textile enterprises this year. This will allow enterprises to save 722 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 693 billion soums. It is also planned to modernize 300 pumps in the drinking water supply system.

Particular attention is paid to problems in the centralized heating supply system. Currently, the high level of energy losses is due to the wear and tear of part of the boiler houses and heating networks. In this regard, this year, as part of the modernization of boiler and heating systems, transferring them to a closed system, it is planned to install 400 individual heating points and update at least 100 kilometers of heating networks.

Responsible persons were instructed to develop energy efficiency standards and effective rules for the construction, repair and reconstruction of buildings.

At the presentation, measures taken to introduce competitive market conditions were discussed mechanisms in the electricity sector.

In particular, the transfer of low voltage networks to the private sector will begin in the Samarkand region, and at the next stage it is planned to scale this practice to Andijan, Jizzakh, Namangan, Syrdarya, Tashkent regions and the city of Tashkent. It is expected that this will significantly reduce losses by attracting investment in network upgrades.

Information is provided on the progress of work on the formation of the wholesale electricity market.

To date, a list of wholesale consumers has been compiled that annually consume more than 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. For these enterprises, it is proposed to introduce a system of purchasing electricity on the wholesale market under direct contracts with hourly pricing.

Currently, work is underway to create separate regulators for the energy and utility sectors. Taking into account foreign experience, a proposal was put forward to create a single regulator.

Having approved the proposals, the President of our country emphasized the importance of increasing energy efficiency, rational use of energy resources and creating a competitive environment in the energy market, and also gave appropriate instructions to responsible persons.

The prosecutor's office and internal affairs authorities are tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the requirements of the law and the inevitability of responsibility in the discussed matters. spheres, as well as closely interact with khokimiyats in the unconditional implementation of the provided measures.