BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 1. Central Asia has
significant potential for the development of renewable energy and
could become one of the world’s key regions in the field of clean
energy and investment, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek
Mirzamahmudov, said, Trend reports.


He made the statement at a Ministerial Dialogue on Promoting
Renewables-Driven Energy Transition in Central Asia, held as part
of Baku Energy Week.


Jurabek Mirzamahmudov noted that the global energy sector is
facing new challenges related to the rapid growth in electricity
demand amid the development of artificial intelligence, digital
infrastructure, and large data centers.


Furthermore, the official emphasized that the growth rate of
demand for new generating capacity in many countries is outpacing
the rate at which new capacity is being commissioned.


Mirzamahmudov stated that Central Asia possesses significant
renewable energy resources, including hydropower potential, as well
as a strategic geographic location connecting major energy
markets.


According to him, the combination of these factors, coupled with
strengthened regional cooperation, could help transform the region
into one of the hubs for the development of “green” energy.


The minister stated that Uzbekistan is actively preparing for
the new energy landscape. According to him, as part of the reforms
led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, more than $35 billion in
investments have been attracted to the country’s energy sector,
over 16 GW of new generating capacity has been commissioned, and
annual electricity production has increased from 60 to 85 billion
kWh.







“By 2030, Uzbekistan plans to increase the capacity of renewable
energy sources to 20 GW and raise their share in electricity
generation to 54%,” he noted.


Separately, the minister emphasized the importance of regional
cooperation in the energy transition process.


In this context, he highlighted the APRECA initiative, launched
by the International Renewable Energy Agency at COP29 in Baku, as a
platform for strengthening regional cooperation and attracting
investment.


According to him, Uzbekistan supports this initiative and is
participating in its implementation.


Minister of Energy added that Uzbekistan’s cooperation with
Azerbaijan is also developing in the areas of renewable energy,
regional interconnectivity, and the implementation of the “green
energy corridor” project, aimed at exporting clean electricity from
Central Asia to Europe.