Uzbekistan invests $1.3 billion in waste-to-energy projects

Uzbekistan is committing $1.3 billion to waste-to-energy projects, aiming to diversify its energy sources and improve waste management in partnership with international companies.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Uzbekistan is strengthening its energy infrastructure by investing $1.3 billion in waste-to-energy (WtE) projects. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at diversifying the country’s energy sources and improving solid waste management. By collaborating with international companies, the Uzbek government seeks to modernize its energy sector while addressing environmental challenges related to waste accumulation.

The waste-to-energy projects will process around 4.7 million metric tons of solid waste annually. This operation is expected to generate 2.1 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity by 2027. While this production represents a modest portion of Uzbekistan’s total annual energy production, which currently exceeds 70 billion kWh, it marks a significant step towards diversifying energy sources and improving waste management.

Partnerships with International Companies

To execute these projects, Uzbekistan is partnering with several renowned international companies. These include China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd, a Chinese firm specializing in global infrastructure and energy projects; Shanghai SUS Environment, a Chinese company focusing on waste management and energy conversion; Tadweer Group from the United Arab Emirates, known for its recycling and waste processing expertise; and Sejin Heavy Industries from South Korea, which focuses on environmental technologies and waste-to-energy projects.

Environmental and Energy Impact

These waste-to-energy projects play a crucial role in Uzbekistan’s energy transition. By converting waste into electricity, the country aims to reduce its dependence on traditional fossil fuels and make strides in waste management. This approach contributes to building a more sustainable and autonomous energy system while reducing the environmental impact associated with landfills.

The establishment of these waste-to-energy plants will not only reduce landfill use but also generate electricity from materials that would otherwise be considered waste. This is especially important in the context of rapid urbanization and population growth in Uzbekistan, where pressure on waste management systems is increasing.

Strategic and Economic Importance

From the perspective of energy security and diversification, these projects represent a significant advancement for Uzbekistan. The country, traditionally reliant on natural gas for its energy production, recognizes the need to diversify its energy sources for both security and sustainability reasons. The integration of waste-to-energy facilities contributes to this diversification by providing a complementary renewable energy source.

Additionally, effective waste management through these projects reduces the reliance on energy imports and fossil fuels. The annual production of 2.1 billion kWh from waste will provide a stable flow of electricity to complement other renewable energy projects such as solar and wind.

Waste Management Solution

Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to a significant increase in the volume of solid waste in Uzbekistan’s cities, particularly in the capital, Tashkent. The lack of modern waste management infrastructure has resulted in problematic waste accumulation in landfills, posing environmental and public health risks. The waste-to-energy facilities will provide a much-needed solution by converting large volumes of waste into electricity.

With a capacity to process 4.7 million metric tons of waste annually, these plants will play a critical role in reducing landfill use, improving waste management practices, and minimizing environmental impacts such as air and water pollution.

International Cooperation and Investment

The involvement of major international players such as China CAMC Engineering, Shanghai SUS Environment, Tadweer Group, and Sejin Heavy Industries highlights Uzbekistan’s openness to foreign investment and its commitment to working with global partners to achieve its energy and environmental goals. This international cooperation also reflects the growing global interest in Central Asia’s renewable energy sector, where countries like Uzbekistan offer new opportunities for clean energy project investments.

Economic Benefits

Beyond the environmental and energy benefits, the waste-to-energy projects are expected to have a positive economic impact. The construction and operation of these plants will create jobs in Uzbekistan, both during the construction phase and in the long-term operation of the facilities. Furthermore, generating electricity from waste could potentially reduce the country’s energy costs and lessen the need for expensive energy imports.

This $1.3 billion investment is part of a larger trend of increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) in Uzbekistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors. By improving waste management and increasing renewable energy capacity, Uzbekistan will not only boost its economy but also enhance its appeal as a destination for future clean energy investments.

Environmental and Policy Implications

Waste-to-energy projects contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing methane emissions from landfills, which are a significant source of greenhouse gases. Converting waste into energy also reduces reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, further lowering the carbon footprint of Uzbekistan’s energy sector. These initiatives align with Uzbekistan’s commitment to reducing emissions under international climate agreements such as the Paris Accord.

By investing in waste-to-energy technologies, Uzbekistan could position itself as a leader in renewable energy development in Central Asia. The region has immense potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, but has been relatively slow to adopt cleaner energy technologies compared to other parts of the world. Uzbekistan’s waste-to-energy projects could serve as a model for neighboring countries facing similar challenges in waste management and energy diversification.

To support the development of these projects, the Uzbek government will need to continue enhancing its regulatory framework for renewable energy and waste management. This could include creating incentives for foreign investors, developing clear policies on waste collection and processing, and establishing systems for integrating waste-to-energy facilities into the national power grid. By establishing a solid policy framework, Uzbekistan can attract further investment in its renewable energy sector and ensure the long-term success of its waste-to-energy projects.

Talks on the Net-Zero Framework, which seeks to regulate greenhouse gas pricing on marine fuels, have been postponed until 2026 following a majority vote initiated by Saudi Arabia.
Liberty Energy warns about the impact of import duties on drilling and power equipment, pointing to a potential obstacle to federal goals related to artificial intelligence and energy independence.
Enedis will progressively reorganise off-peak hour time slots from 1 November, impacting 14.5 million customers by 2027, under new rules set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
A report highlights the financial burden of fossil imports during the energy crisis and points to electrification as key to European energy security.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a review of public funding for renewable energy, without changing national targets, to avoid rent-seeking effects and better regulate the use of public funds.
The 2025 edition of the Renewable Electricity System Observatory warns of the widening gap between French energy ambitions and industrial reality, requiring immediate acceleration of investments in solar, wind and associated infrastructure.
Kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited reported a ₦1.3bn ($882,011) loss due to power fraud, threatening its operational viability in Kogi State.
More than 40 developers will gather in Livingstone from 26 to 28 November to turn Southern Africa’s energy commitments into bankable and interconnected projects.
Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.
The United States has threatened economic sanctions against International Maritime Organization members who approve a global carbon tax on international shipping emissions.
Global progress on electricity access slowed in 2024, with only 11 million new connections, despite targeted efforts in parts of Africa and Asia.
A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.