03.04.2023

On April 3, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on measures to modernize heating systems in social facilities.

Nowadays, heating systems in 15,000 social facilities in Uzbekistan are outdated and need repairing. 35% of thermal energy is lost during their operation. The heating temperature in them is 2 times lower than the norm.

An experiment has been conducted in Bustan district of Andijan Region to upgrade and manage the heating system based on a private partnership. Heating boilers have been replaced with modern ones and transferred to private management, which reduced energy consumption and increased the temperature inside the buildings. The optimal temperature in social facilities was provided even during the cold snap last winter.

The proposals for scaling up this experience have been discussed at the meeting. It was proposed to transfer the heating systems to the management of entrepreneurs for 10 years, their services will be purchased by the state. A half of the necessary funds to modernize the networks will be allocated from the budget, the other half – at the expense of a private partner. In addition, the exemption of components, which are required for the production of heating boilers, from customs duty for two years, is envisaged.

Uzbek President has approved these proposals and gave instructions on organizational and financial issues.

The responsible officials have been tasked with inventorying and gradually modernizing the heating systems of social facilities in districts and cities, involving entrepreneurs in their management. It was emphasized that it is essential to take measures to reduce energy losses and preserve heat in buildings. It was instructed to launch the production of energy-efficient heating boilers with the participation of investors.

The issue of coal supplies has been also discussed at the meeting.

In recent years, coal production in the country has increased from 3 million to 5.4 million tons. This year it is planned to produce almost 6 million tons. However, the demand for coal is much greater.

In this regard, the President has given instructions on attracting the private sector and new technologies to the development of promising deposits and improving the coal quality.