Uzbekistan, in partnership with China, is set to launch the production of innovative “smart” films designed to regulate temperature inside greenhouses, according to the press service of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences.
Institute of Materials Science under the Academy of Sciences have developed a groundbreaking nano-composite particle that can be embedded into greenhouse films. These nanoparticles convert ultraviolet rays from sunlight into near-infrared radiation, generating thermal energy that helps maintain a stable internal temperature.
The technology ensures that greenhouse temperatures remain 5–7°C warmer than the outside temperature during cold weather—compared to just 0–2°C with conventional films. On hot days, the internal temperature drops by 5–8°C, providing better climate control for crops.
This temperature regulation not only reduces the need for external heating and cooling systems—cutting energy consumption by over 60%—but also boosts plant growth. The increased infrared radiation accelerates photosynthesis, leading to plant growth that is 1.5 to 2 times faster.
As a result, productivity rises by 35–50%, and water usage for irrigation is reduced by 30%, or up to 90% when combined with hydrogel use. The durability of the film is also enhanced, with strength tripling compared to standard alternatives.
Initial testing has been carried out in the Tashkent, Jizzakh, Fergana, and Andijan regions of Uzbekistan. Large-scale trials are currently ongoing in various regions of China through the Shanghai Agricultural Academy to assess performance under different soil and climate conditions.
To bring the innovation to industrial scale, Uzbekistan has signed a cooperation agreement with Shanghai Daedon Science and Technology.
The partners will launch a pilot production of the nano-powders at the Institute of Materials Science in Uzbekistan. According to the development plan, production will begin with 1 ton of nanopowder in 2025, increasing to 10 tons in 2026. A new manufacturing facility will be built to support future capacity of up to 2,000 tons annually.
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