BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 9. Uzbekistan and Japan
Sumitomo Corporation are exploring a pilot project to replace
coal-based heating at Uzbek greenhouse farms with modern
energy-efficient technologies as part of cooperation on climate
change and emissions reduction.
This was reported in a report published by Uzbekistan’s National
Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, following a meeting
between Aziz Abdukhakimov, advisor to the Uzbek President on
environmental issues, and a delegation from Sumitomo, led by Sosuke
Ishida, the director of the Infrastructure Business
Department..
The sides highlighted the growing momentum of cooperation
between Uzbekistan and Japan and Japan's role as a key partner in
advancing sustainable development, deploying advanced technologies
and implementing infrastructure projects.
"Particular attention was paid to five nationwide environmental
initiatives launched by the president of Uzbekistan — Yashil Makon,
Clean Air, Zero Waste, Bio Heritage and Eco-Culture," the National
Committee said.
Sumitomo representatives praised Uzbekistan's ongoing
environmental reforms and outlined the company's international
experience in climate-related projects. The Japanese company said
it is implementing projects in more than 20 countries together with
the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA.
"The Japanese side expressed interest in cooperation on climate
change adaptation and projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
emissions," the committee said.
During the meeting, Sumitomo presented its experience in
deploying energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air
conditioning systems, including heat pump technologies for
greenhouse facilities.
The Japanese delegation highlighted a modern greenhouse complex
developed in Turkmenistan using climate control solutions from
Daikin. Based on that experience, Sumitomo proposed examining a
pilot project in Uzbekistan that would help greenhouse farms
transition away from coal-fired heating systems.
"The Japanese side proposed exploring the implementation of a
pilot project to transition greenhouse farms from coal-based
heating to modern energy-efficient technologies," the committee
said.
The parties also discussed establishing a demonstration site
under the Green Territory project in Uzbekistan's Samarkand region.
The facility would be used to test and showcase advanced
energy-efficient heating solutions and assess their potential for
wider deployment in the country's greenhouse industry.
Replacing coal-based heating with more efficient technologies
could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural
facilities while improving energy efficiency and supporting
Uzbekistan's broader climate objectives.
Following the talks, the parties agreed to continue expert-level
consultations and prepare a list of priority projects. They will
also further develop the proposed greenhouse modernization pilot
and consider potential financing mechanisms for its
implementation.
