Construction has begun on two new waste-to-energy plants in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara Region and Surkhandarya Region, designed to generate electricity through the recycling of household waste.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for both facilities were held on February 2. The projects are being implemented through Chinese investors and are scheduled to be commissioned in 2028, with an expected operational lifespan of 30 years, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The total investment value of the two projects amounts to $315 million. Once operational, the plants will be capable of processing nearly one million tons of waste annually and generating more than 300 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The waste-to-energy complex in the Kagan district of the Bukhara Region is being developed by Wangneng Environment, with investments totaling $165 million. The facility is expected to process 547,500 tons of waste per year and produce up to 400 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

Meanwhile, the plant in the Angor district of Surkhandarya is being built through CHSET company. The project is valued at $150 million and will have an annual waste processing capacity of 438,000 tons, with planned electricity generation of 75 million kilowatt-hours per year.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Botir Zaripov, Governor of the Bukhara Region, said the authorities plan to establish a cluster-based waste management system and pledged full support to ensure the timely implementation of the projects.

“We see Wangneng Environment as a reliable partner with strong expertise and innovative solutions. The company’s investments and technologies will play a key role in creating an innovation hub in Bukhara,” Zaripov said.

Officials note that the projects will contribute to clean energy generation, reduce landfill volumes, and support Uzbekistan’s broader goals of sustainable development and environmental modernization.