A training workshop on ‘Aspects of renewable energy sources development in Uzbekistan’ was held in the capital by the Ecology Movement of Uzbekistan jointly with OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan. The scientific and practical seminar was attended by activists and experts of the Ecology Movement, representatives of specialized international organizations, NGOs, specialists from the enterprises and media workers.

Scientists connect the global rise of temperature in Earth\'s atmosphere with huge combustion emissions from power plants and fossil-fueled vehicles. At present, the global amount of fossil fuel burned each year equals the equivalent of 12 billion tones of oil, that is, two tones of oil equivalent falls to every person on the planet. Over the past 40 years, the amount of fossil fuel produced in the world exceeded its production volume for the entire previous history of mankind, which has led to a sharp reduction of its reserves.

According to some estimates, the possibility of using renewable energy sources in our country are equivalent to 51 billion tons of oil. Existing technologies can now provide the energy equivalent of 179 million tones of oil, which three times exceeds the amount of fuel produced in the republic and prevents emissions of 447 million tons of carbon dioxide, various sulfur compounds, nitrogen oxide and particles of many other substances. There are many such opportunities in our country, known worldwide as the ‘sunny Uzbekistan’. More than 300 sunny days a year, the windswept territories throughout the country provide enormous opportunities for the development of alternative energy. Development of this field on the basis of modern technology requires expansion of the production of special equipment as well as scrutinized legislation in this area.

The report of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the main outcomes of 2011 and priority areas of socio-economic development in 2012 points out the insufficient economical approach to the use of natural resources, the need to search for and introduce alternative energy sources. Taking into account that the mineral wealth of our country such as oil, gas and coal is limited and its stores should not be mindlessly consumed, there is a need to use extensively the alternative energy and fuel.

There is primarily the need to build and strengthen the national legislation to regulate the alternative energy sector. The relevant bill was developed by members of the deputy group of the Ecology Movement at the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and faction of Adolat Social Democratic Party. They pointed out to significant reserves available in Uzbekistan for the alternative energy development.

The participants noted the intensified activities on the launch of production of silicon as an essential element for solar panels in conjunction with South Korean counterparts on the basis of Navoiazot JSC. Besides, the International Institute for Solar Energy has recently opened in the capital with the support of the Asian Development Bank. All that will help to expand the use of wind and solar energy across the country. The involvement of renewable energy sources in overall energy balance of the country will help to ensure the long-term energy independence, improve energy supply, especially in rural and remote areas, reduce emissions of harmful gases, and stable development of the country.

The participants also noted the urgent need to introduce renewable energy sources in remote areas located far away from the central power supply network, and develop the alternative energy sector in general, for it is expected to reduce the consumption of traditional energy sources, save money, create jobs and improve the environment. (Source: “Uzbekistan Today” newspaper)