Uzbekistan’s Push for Environmental Sustainability: Construction of Eight Waste-to-Energy Plants
Uzbekistan is embarking on an ambitious plan to boost environmental sustainability by constructing eight waste-to-energy plants by 2027. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved these projects, which aim to convert household waste into electricity and other valuable products, signaling the country’s commitment to adopting circular economy practices.
The need for such initiatives is evident, as Uzbekistan currently generates approximately 14 million tons of waste annually, with only a small fraction (4-5%) being recycled. The inadequate waste management system results in significant environmental hazards, such as the release of over seven million tons of greenhouse gases from landfills and the contamination of the ground with 43,000 tons of toxic leachate every year.
To address these pressing challenges, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, in partnership with foreign investors, have introduced several projects. With an expected investment of nearly $1.3 billion, these initiatives will include the construction of eight waste-to-energy plants and the conversion of landfill gas into electricity at the Ohangaron landfill.
Prominent among the investors is China’s CAMC Engineering, which will invest $350 million to build two plants in Andijan and Tashkent regions. These facilities are projected to handle 4,000 tons of waste daily and generate 630 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. Another Chinese company, Shanghai SUS Environment, will invest $310 million in constructing two plants in Samarkand and Kashkadarya regions, processing 3,000 tons of waste per day and producing 480 million kWh of electricity each year.
The UAE’s Tadweer Group will contribute $200 million towards a plant in Bukhara and Navoi regions, with a capacity of 1,500 tons of waste daily and an annual electricity output of 363 million kWh. Additionally, South Korea’s Sejin company is investing $55 million in a project at the Ohangaron landfill to convert landfill gas into 16 megawatts of renewable electricity.
Together, these projects are projected to process 4.7 million tons of waste annually, generating 2.1 billion kWh of electricity and conserving 152 million cubic meters of natural gas per year. Furthermore, they are anticipated to curtail the emission of 2.4 million tons of greenhouse gases and create 1,200 new employment opportunities.
The implementation of these projects will span 11 regions of Uzbekistan between 2025 and 2027, encompassing Andijan, Bukhara, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Navoi, Namangan, Samarkand, Syrdarya, Fergana, Tashkent regions, and Tashkent city.
President Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of these initiatives, highlighting their crucial role in addressing essential issues for the country’s survival. He emphasized that the sustainability of the environment, public health, and energy security hinges on effective waste management practices, which will enhance the overall environmental balance and benefit society.
To oversee these endeavors, the newly established Waste Management and Circular Economy Development Agency will manage waste collection, sorting, disposal, recycling, incineration, and waste-to-energy projects. By spearheading these efforts, the agency aims to improve Uzbekistan’s ecological outlook and create a healthier living environment for its populace.
