Uzbekistan Focuses on Nuclear Energy and Green Energy Expansion

On February 10, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on the current work in atomic energy and priority tasks for the future.

Uzbekistan is utilizing all available energy sources to meet the growing energy demands of the population and various sectors of the economy. In addition to traditional power generation, around 4 gigawatts of alternative energy capacity have been commissioned in recent years, increasing the share of green energy to 16 percent, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

Over the next five years, an additional 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity is planned to be developed. This will enable the production of 64 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy. Overall, the goal is to increase the share of green energy in the country’s total power generation to more than 50 percent by 2030.

The development of digital technologies, electric vehicles, electronics, artificial intelligence, mining, and other industries is sharply increasing energy demand. Currently, many countries are exploring ways to transition to new types of energy. Renewable sources are gradually replacing traditional fossil fuels. Already, alternative energy accounts for 42 percent of global power generation.

Nuclear energy is considered the most optimal solution for creating long-term energy capacity. Today, 417 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 375 gigawatts are operating worldwide. New nuclear power plants are being built, and many countries have incorporated atomic energy into their development strategies.

Uzbekistan, which possesses its uranium reserves, also plans to establish a long-term energy base. In particular, a project has been developed to construct small-capacity reactors. On December 5, 2024, an international conference on the use of nuclear energy was held in Samarkand.

At the meeting, officials presented information on the ongoing work in developing nuclear energy.

The Head of state gave instructions on preparing specialists for the future power plant and the industry as a whole, as well as ensuring safety in accordance with the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It was noted that implementing such technologies will enhance the economy’s competitiveness and create a solid foundation for long-term growth.