Uzbekistan to Build Six Waste-to-Energy Plants Worth $933 Million

Uzbekistan is taking significant strides towards a greener future with ambitious plans to construct six new waste-to-energy plants. This initiative, announced at a high-level meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, underscores the nation's commitment to environmental protection and modernizing its waste management system. The project, valued at $933 million, is poised to transform the handling of millions of tons of solid household waste annually, converting it into a substantial 1.6 billion kWh of electricity.

“

Once operational, they will be able to process 3.6 million tons of solid household waste annually and generate 1.6 billion kWh of electricity.

This development is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it represents a paradigm shift in how Uzbekistan views waste. Instead of merely managing landfills, the country is embracing technology to turn waste into a valuable resource. The planned facilities, set to be located in key regions like Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent, will not only address the growing challenge of waste accumulation but also contribute significantly to the national energy grid. The Samarkand plant, a joint venture with China's Shanghai SUS Environment, is already underway and expected to be operational by early 2027, showcasing the country's ability to attract international investment and expertise.

“

These stations will reduce the expenses of sanitary cleaning enterprises and shorten the distance for waste transportation.

While environmentalists may raise concerns about incineration, Uzbekistan's approach includes mitigating these risks. The plan to process ash into construction materials and purify smoke demonstrates a comprehensive strategy that balances energy generation with environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the development of waste transfer stations aims to optimize logistics, reduce costs, and lessen the burden on landfills, aligning with the broader goals of reducing landfill numbers by over 30% by 2030. These efforts are integral to Uzbekistan's national development strategy, including Vision 2030, and signal a proactive stance on sustainability.

“

The SUS Environment Samarkand plant is being built on the central landfill site in the Navruz mahalla. Fifteen hectares of the 100-hectare landfill have been allocated for the facility.