Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Ankara, İlham Haydarov, stated that his country aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production to 54 percent and create 22 thousand megawatts of new energy capacity by 2030, and said that they want to develop cooperation with Turkish companies in this field.
In his evaluation to the AA correspondent, Haydarov stated that comprehensive studies are being carried out in the field of environment and ecological sustainability under the leadership of Uzbekistan President Shavket Mirziyoyev.
Stating that improving air quality, expanding green areas, increasing environmental awareness and combating desertification are among the priorities of his country, Haydarov stated that "Clean Air", "Green Space" and "Ecological Culture" projects have been implemented in this context.
Stating that environmental education, scientific studies and social awareness will be brought together with the "Ecological Culture" project, Haydarov stated that it is aimed to increase the number of students specializing in the field of environment to 10 thousand in the 2028-2029 academic year through the "Green Vocational High Schools" planned to be opened in 14 regions of the country.
Aiming to cooperate with Türkiye in the field of green energy and environment
Haydarov said that the meeting of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his visit to Ankara to attend the Organization of Turkic States (TDT) summit was important in terms of strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Stating that political and diplomatic dialogue as well as cooperation opportunities in the fields of trade, economy, investments, industry, transportation and mining were discussed during the meeting, Haydarov pointed out the importance of initiatives to support the business world between the two countries.
Haydarov stated that efforts are continuing to hold the first meeting of the Uzbekistan-Turkey High Level Council on Support of Business World in Tashkent, and that more than 300 companies from Türkiye are planned to attend the meeting.
Emphasizing that the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), hosted by Türkiye for the first time, offers important opportunities to improve cooperation between the two countries in the field of environment and climate, Haydarov stated that they want to establish partnerships with Turkish companies, especially in the fields of renewable energy, solar and wind power plants, energy storage systems, electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, hydroelectric energy and green hydrogen technologies.
Haydarov pointed out that efficient use of water resources, modern irrigation systems, wastewater treatment, solid waste recycling, circular economy, green transportation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure are among the priority areas for joint investments, and invited Turkish companies to invest and establish production partnerships in Uzbekistan.
Haydarov said, "We see Turkish companies not only as product and technology suppliers, but also as our long-term investors, technology partners and cooperation partners in the field of production. I believe that the bonds of brotherhood between Turkey and Uzbekistan will turn into concrete and permanent projects in the field of green transformation." he said.
Uzbekistan's 2030 targets include increasing the share of renewable energy to 54 percent
Haydarov stated that within the scope of Uzbekistan's 2030 Development Strategy, targets were determined for the efficient use of water resources, protection of the environment and increasing green areas.
Explaining that it is aimed to increase water efficiency in irrigation systems and to use water-saving technologies in all irrigated agricultural areas, Haydarov said that it is planned to increase the rate of green areas in cities and districts.
Stating that new green cover will be created in an area of 1.3 million hectares in the Aral Sea basin and desert regions, Haydarov stated that efforts to reduce waste management and industrial pollution are continuing.
Haydarov emphasized that developing renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency are among his country's priorities, and said, "It is aimed to increase the share of renewable energy in total electricity production to 54 percent and to create 22 thousand megawatts of new energy capacity by 2030. It is also planned to increase annual electricity production to more than 129 billion kilowatt-hours." he said.
Sharing the information that 35 billion dollars have been invested in the energy sector in his country in recent years, Haydarov noted that the share of renewable energy in total electricity production has reached 31 percent.
Stating that international investors' interest in Uzbekistan's energy sector has increased, Haydarov added that at the meeting held with investors in October to accelerate energy reforms, agreements were signed for 6 large projects worth a total of 4.7 billion dollars, and that the projects are expected to create 3 thousand megawatts of electricity production and 400 megawatts of energy storage capacity.
