Uzbekistan reduces energy losses with Japan-inspired reforms

Uzbekistan will implement Japan's experience in energy-saving literacy to educate consumers on efficient energy use. This initiative was discussed on February 19 during a presentation of proposals aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, which President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed.

With the growing energy demand from both the population and economic sectors, Uzbekistan has been increasing its energy capacity. Last year alone, the country produced 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 81 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. However, by 2035, electricity consumption is projected to rise 1.7 times compared to the current level, requiring not only increased production but also significant energy conservation efforts.

According to analyses, Uzbekistan consumes 2.5 times more energy to generate $1 of GDP than the global average. Additionally, energy losses amount to 14% in electricity networks and over 7% in natural gas distribution. To address these inefficiencies, scientists are researching to explore energy-saving opportunities. So far, potential savings of 4.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and 1 billion cubic meters of gas have been identified across seven regions.

The presentation outlined several key proposals based on these studies. For instance:

• Replacing outdated water supply pumps with modern systems could save 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
• Upgrading boiler rooms in social institutions and integrating green energy could save 5 million cubic meters of gas and 15 million kilowatt-hours of electricity this year.

Overall, Uzbekistan aims to save 1.6 billion cubic meters of gas and 3.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2024. To achieve this, scientifically backed measures will be introduced across enterprises and organizations. Among the planned initiatives:

• Setting energy consumption standards per unit of production in large industrial enterprises, potentially reducing energy use by 5-10%.
• Implementing a targeted program to install energy-efficient equipment in social facilities.
• Expanding insulation efforts in apartment buildings to improve heat retention.
• Providing low-cost loans for residents to install solar collectors and solar panels.
• Training consumers in energy-saving literacy, modeled after Japan’s practices.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for energy conservation across all sectors, urging authorities to reduce waste and prevent energy theft.

Notably, during a January 28 meeting on Uzbekistan’s 2025-2035 electric power industry strategy, it was projected that electricity demand will reach 117 billion kilowatt-hours by 2030 and 135 billion kilowatt-hours by 2035.