What Uzbekistan’s new decarbonisation project means for its climate future
Uzbekistan has launched a new decarbonisation project to cut greenhouse gas emissions and modernise energy use across its public infrastructure.
The initiative, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from Japan and support from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, will target schools, hospitals, kindergartens, and public transport.
The project responds to frequent energy crises caused by extreme weather, aiming to make the country’s systems more climate-resilient. Public buildings will be upgraded with insulation, energy-efficient windows, solar panels, and heat pumps, with measures expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve comfort year-round.
In parallel, clean transport pilots will introduce electric vehicles, charging stations, and real-time air quality monitoring.
Japan is contributing advanced technology and financing through the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), which allows for emissions reduction cooperation under the Paris Agreement.
The initiative is part of Uzbekistan’s national goal to cut emissions by 35% and raise clean energy to 25% by 2030.
Beyond emissions, the project promises practical benefits like lower energy bills, improved public health, and more stable indoor climates during extreme heat or cold.
“This project is not just about the environment. It’s about comfort, health, and a sustainable future,” UNDP and the national Agency for Energy Efficiency noted.
Other countries are advancing with decarbonization efforts, with China leading the way, where one of its cities, Shenzhen, became the world’s first city to fully electrify its bus network, deploying 16,000 electric buses by late 2017. This shift cuts fuel use by 345,000 barrels and reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 1.35 million tonnes annually. The city also built 8,000 charging points and 510 charging stations to support the fleet. Other countries include Chile, Russia, Denmark, Norway and South Africa.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) leads various global decarbonization initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development with key efforts including, Carbon Payments for Development (CP4D) Facility, launched in 2021, to help developing countries access carbon markets and implement emission-reducing projects, Greening Moonshot initiative to reduce carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 through energy-efficient upgrades, saving millions while cutting emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually.
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