Uzbekistan has begun implementing the second phase of projects aimed at the thermal processing of municipal solid waste for electricity generation. Upon completion of all planned work, the system will cover all regions of the country.
Aziza Nazarova, head of the Waste Management and Circular Economy Development Agency, announced this during a briefing at the Media Content Training Center. The second phase involves the construction of five modern plants, attracting a total of $625 million in direct foreign investment.
These projects are being implemented in collaboration with Chinese companies Beijing China Sciences Runyu Environmental Technology, Wangneng Environment, and Henan Investment Group, as well as South Korean company Green Hammer.
The new facilities will operate in the regions of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Jizzakh, Navoi, Syrdarya, Surkhandarya, and Khorezm.
When the design capacity is reached, the total volume of municipal solid waste processed annually will be 1.9 million tons. The projects are forecasted to generate 635 million kWh of electricity and contribute to saving 158 million cubic meters of natural gas.
Furthermore, these initiatives are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 316,000 tons and create 500 new jobs.
The first phase of the program includes the construction of six plants, with a total direct foreign investment of $933 million. This phase involves Chinese companies China CAMC Engineering, Shanghai SUS Environment, and China Everbright International Limited.
The first phase facilities cover the regions of Namangan, Fergana, Kashkadarya, Samarkand, Andijan, as well as the city of Tashkent. Thus, two phases encompass 11 investment projects totaling $1.558 billion.
These projects are designed to create an integrated system for generating electricity from municipal solid waste across all regions of Uzbekistan. The launch of all plants is scheduled in stages between 2027 and 2028.
When all facilities reach their design capacity, the annual thermal processing of waste will reach 5.4 million tons. Electricity generation will increase to 2.2 billion kWh per year, and the total number of new jobs will reach 1,500.
According to power purchase and municipal solid waste supply agreements, the electricity generated by the plants will be guaranteed to be purchased by Uzenergosotish JSC for 30 years. This mechanism is intended to ensure the long-term and stable operation of the projects.
The facilities will use modern technologies to monitor and limit the emission of harmful substances produced during waste thermal treatment. The projects are also expected to reduce the burden on landfills by decreasing the volume of waste sent for disposal and improving the environmental situation in the regions.
The initiatives involve a shift from traditional waste disposal to a model where municipal waste is used as raw material for alternative energy and as an economic resource.