On 10 January 2020 the Ministry of Energy organised a workshop on energy efficiency and the role of Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (No. PP-4422 dated 22 August 2019) – “On Accelerated Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency in Economic and Social Sectors, the Introduction of Energy-Saving Technologies and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources”.
The workshop also discussed the role of the Energy Efficiency Fund for industrial enterprises in creating additional opportunities for foreign investments in the regions of Uzbekistan.
Resolution No. PP-4422 approved the Complex programme for further improving the energy efficiency of economic and social sectors, introducing energy-saving technologies and developing renewable energy sources in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2019-2022.
According to the Complex programme, the share of renewable energy sources will be increased to over 25% of total electricity generation by 2030.
A phased installation of modern solar photovoltaic plants and solar water heaters (with the exception of facilities connected to host heating systems), as well as energy-efficient heating systems, including bivalent, and the introduction of modern heat pumps and heat recovery units are envisaged.
Scheduled targets include:
· Improvement of building thermal protection systems, installation of two-chamber and energy-efficient window units, sensors combined with LED sources, as well as air recuperations and other systems;
· Installation of solar photovoltaic plants in private households (on average 2 kW) and solar water heaters (on average 200 liters);
· For domestic consumers, the replacement of non-standard gas-burning devices with modern and energy-efficient devices.
The Resolution stipulates that from 1 January 2020, when designing, reconstructing and constructing all buildings and structures, except for individual housing construction, it is mandatory to ensure the energy efficiency of buildings.
Also, starting in 2020, it is mandatory to determine the class or technical indicators of energy efficiency of products (equipment, goods) and technologies when they are certified in Uzbekistan.
From 2021, government bodies and organisations are required to install sensors combined with LED sources for lighting systems and energy-efficient gas-burning devices in buildings and structures which are on their balance sheet.
From 1 December 2019 until 1 January 2023, domestic enterprises and organisations will gradually implement energy management system ISO 50001. This system provides transparency and objectivity in the assessment of energy efficiency, reduced energy consumption by enterprises and a reduction in emissions.
Resolution No. PP-4422 also contains measures to stimulate the development of energy efficiency in the domestic sector, including the use of renewable energy sources by individuals.
A third of installation cost for solar photovoltaic plants in households will be covered. Compensation will also be provided to individuals and legal entities to cover the interest on loans from commercial banks for purchasing renewable energy installations, energy-efficient gas burners, boilers and other energy-efficient equipment.
The decree will radically improve Uzbekistan’s energy efficiency and attract foreign direct investment.