Uzbekistan to save 4.3bn kWh of electricity under new energy decree

Uzbekistan aims to save 4.3bn kWh of electricity and 2.8bn cubic meters of natural gas in 2026, under a presidential decree that came into force on April 30.

The initiative focuses on improving energy efficiency across economic sectors and social infrastructure, alongside expanding the use of energy-saving technologies and renewable energy sources.

According to the decree, a significant portion of savings will come from upgrading buildings and introducing modern technologies. Measures targeting residential housing, public sector facilities, and businesses are expected to save 2.6bn kWh of electricity and 934.4mn cubic meters of gas.

Additional gains will come from renewable energy expansion. Large-scale solar and wind power plants are projected to generate an extra 4.3bn kWh of green energy, helping save 1.3bn cubic meters of natural gas. Smaller solar installations in local communities will further contribute, including 270 MW of capacity expected to save 35mn cubic meters of gas.

Efficiency improvements in 25 major industrial enterprises are also planned, targeting savings of 1.6bn kWh of electricity and 553mn cubic meters of gas through more rational energy use.

The decree emphasizes that energy savings will not be achieved by restricting consumers or disconnecting them from supply networks, but through efficiency improvements.

From July 1, 2026, new requirements will mandate that all newly constructed or renovated public and state-affiliated buildings meet at least a “C” energy efficiency rating.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan will jointly implement annual programs to improve efficiency in public facilities that exceed energy consumption norms, using international standards and energy service mechanisms.

Authorities have also been tasked with introducing energy efficiency benchmarks for residential and non-residential buildings, with proposals to be submitted to the government by August 1. Incentive mechanisms will be introduced for facilities that improve their energy performance.

To support these efforts, the National Energy Efficiency Agency of Uzbekistan, together with other ministries, will seek to attract $200mn in financing from international financial institutions and foreign partners for energy efficiency projects by September 1, 2026.

The agency, established in 2025, is responsible for implementing unified state policy in energy efficiency and developing regulatory and incentive mechanisms.

The measures build on earlier government priorities to reduce energy waste, particularly in large industrial enterprises, and promote more sustainable and efficient use of resources.