Uzbekistan intends to become carbon neutral by 2050

The roadmap is based on extensive analysis that reflects various existing government actions in this area, including the Uzbek government's energy policy and growth forecasts, as well as model assumptions tested by relevant key stakeholders. The analysis takes into account the strategy of the energy sector until 2030 and the fuel restrictions laid down in it. The roadmap presents a comprehensive assessment of the energy sector in Uzbekistan, including an assessment of the need for investment.

Uzbekistan will be one of the few developing Asian countries to openly pledge a fossil fuel emissions reduction target. Among the region's more developed economies, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong have said they will meet the same goal by 2050. China's target year is 2060, and Singapore's commitment is for the same year, but it is shooting at halving emissions from what they will be in 2030.

«Uzbekistan is taking active action on climate change issues in the context of its contribution to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. The electricity generation sector is the backbone of the economy and is responsible for a significant share of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the decarbonization of electricity production will play a crucial role in achieving Uzbekistan's climate goals. Uzbekistan has already outlined an ambitious program for the development of renewable energy in the 2020-2030 Concept”, the energy ministry said in a statement.

The country also set a target of reducing its reliance on thermal-power electricity generation to 50% by 2030. It currently relies on thermal sources for more than 80% of its energy needs.

Meanwhile, the president of neighbouring Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared his country's goal in December, according to which Kazakhstan is set to become carbon neutral by 2060.