20220228-IEA-Solar_Energy_in_Uzbekistan_A_Roadmap_55页_9mb

Solar Energy Policy in Uzbekistan: A Roadmap Summary

Uzbekistan possesses significant solar energy potential due to high solar irradiation, with estimated gross potential of 2.1 million tons of oil equivalent (toe) and technical potential at nearly four times its current primary energy consumption. The country is pursuing renewable energy deployment, especially solar, aligning with its national green economy strategy and EU4Energy program. The government aims to increase solar power capacity to 5 GW by 2030 and raise the renewable energy share in electricity mix to 25%.

Key policy measures include the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, Law on Public-Private Partnerships, and competitive bidding for large-scale solar projects, which are supported by international financial institutions. Deployment barriers include insufficient grid infrastructure, financing challenges, permitting complexity, and lack of human resources. To overcome these, the roadmap recommends grid modernization, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and transparent market integration. The use of technologies such as floating solar PV and solar-thermal district heating is encouraged.

Aspects to maximize solar benefits:

• Transparent energy infrastructure and market data to facilitate optimal project siting;
• Incentives for off-grid and hybrid systems in remote areas;
• Regulatory frameworks enabling fair grid access and long-term development plans.

By 2025, Uzbekistan targets 20% renewable generation, focusing on expanding solar capacity through competitive tenders and supportive policies. Intermediate actions through 2025 include tariff reforms, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, and grid upgrades to maximize VRE integration. Key policy actions include transparent planning, non-discriminatory grid access, phasing out inefficient subsidies, and establishing proper systems for end-of-life solar panel management. Flexibility options like pumped hydro storage and demand response should be explored from 2026 onward to handle higher renewable penetration.

The roadmap also suggests regional cooperation through electricity interconnections for mutual grid stability and increased renewable deployment, along with supporting emission reductions in hard-to-abate sectors. Uzbekistan adopts eight key policy actions: transparent market data; supporting off-grid solar; implementing end-of-life panel disposal; fostering electric heat pumps; ensuring fair grid access; eliminating subsidies; creating a long-term development framework; and encouraging green hydrogen development.