In 2022, Uzbekistan's electricity consumption was primarily powered by fossil fuels, with more than four-fifths of the electricity generated from gas, while coal contributed a small share. The remaining energy mix saw a small portion of electricity coming from low-carbon sources, with hydropower being almost entirely responsible for this clean energy generation. Meanwhile, net imports played a minor role in the overall electricity supply. This reliance on fossil fuels poses environmental challenges such as air pollution and climate change, which emphasize the need for a transition to more sustainable energy sources.
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Uzbekistan could look towards countries that have successfully integrated clean energy into their electricity mix. For example, France and Slovakia have demonstrated substantial reliance on nuclear energy, generating nearly two-thirds to more than half of their electricity from this clean source. Given Uzbekistan's regional context, learning from nearby Ukraine, which supplies over half of its electricity through nuclear energy, could be particularly beneficial. Additionally, following Denmark’s lead in harnessing wind energy, which makes up nearly 60% of its electricity generation, could provide further insights into diversifying low-carbon energy sources. The success of these countries underscores the potential for nuclear and wind energy to transform Uzbekistan's energy landscape.
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Uzbekistan shows fluctuations predominately within the hydropower sector. Starting in the late 1980s, hydropower saw variable growth and declines, notably decreasing towards the end of the decade only to partially recover in the early 1990s. The early 2000s continued with this trend, marked by significant gains followed by substantial drops. Post-2005, fluctuations persisted, with occasional increases being overshadowed by recurring declines, particularly into the 2010s. This inconsistent growth pattern highlights a need for a more stable and diversified approach to increasing low-carbon electricity in Uzbekistan, potentially through the adoption of nuclear and wind energy, to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for the future.
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.