04.05.2020

On May 4, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to discuss improving the efficiency in the fuel and energy industry and optimizing energy consumption.

Our country has set ambitious goals concerning economic development, its paces. This requires creation of new energy capacities, efficient use of available resources.

For instance, in Uzbekistan, to create a gross domestic product worth a thousand dollars, it takes 2-3 times more energy than in advanced nations. 44 percent of the annual demand for petroleum products is covered by imports.

In this regard, the meeting participants discussed issues of reducing energy consumption in Uzbekistan 2-2.5 times in the coming years.

The necessity of adapting manufactured agricultural machinery and trucks to methane gas was noted.

By the end of this year, 3 units of propane-butane mixture and a plant for the production of synthetic fuel (GTL) is expected to be commissioned. As a result, imports of jet fuel, diesel and liquefied natural gas will be completely substituted.

Heating and lighting consumes 40 percent of the power produced in our country. There is also a lot of overspending in this process. For example, 400 kilowatt-hours of electricity on average is used for heating 1 square meter of area in Uzbekistan, while in developed countries it is just 170 kilowatt-hours.

Given this, instructions have been given on the widespread use of energy-saving technologies in the design and construction of multi-story buildings, and on drawing in foreign investment to improve the energy efficiency in social facilities.

In the course of analysis of energy consumption in the industrial sector, the task was set to devise a program of measures to improve energy efficiency in the context of spheres and industries. The President instructed to study the energy efficiency of 285 large industrial enterprises with international energy audit organizations invited, as well as reduce power tariffs for entrepreneurs who organize work in three shifts, 1.5 times for the night shift.

Renewable energy sources are one of the huge reserves that have not yet been fully utilized in Uzbekistan. To be sure, this sector will require great investment in the beginning. However, this will justify itself, since in the future it will solve the problem of the shortage of natural gas and oil, at least save costs for consumers by half.

For example, if solar panels and water heating systems are installed in 150 thousand houses, this could save 319 million cubic meters of natural gas a year.

The President emphasized the importance of stimulating the use of renewables, reviewing legislation and creating additional conditions for consumers, building on world experience. Issues related to attracting direct investment in the manufacturing industry, constructing solar photovoltaic and wind power in the regions were considered.

The head of our state also expounded on issues of wider implementation of automated system for accounting and control of electricity and natural gas consumption.

Given the lack of funds at the enterprises of the fuel and energy complex due to lockdown, measures have been identified to provide them with financial support and increase working capital.

Responsible officials presented information on the issues discussed at the meeting.