Improving energy efficiency issues discussed

On May 4, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on the issues of improving efficiency in the fuel and energy industry and optimizing the energy consumption.

Uzbekistan has set great goals in intensive development of the economy. This requires the commissioning of new energy capacities, the efficient use of available resources.

For example, in Uzbekistan, it takes 2-3 times more energy than in developed countries to create a gross domestic product worth a thousand dollars. 44 percent of the annual demand for petroleum products is covered by imports.

In this regard, issues of reducing energy consumption by 2-2.5 times in the coming years were discussed at the meeting.

The need for adapting manufactured agricultural machinery and trucks to gas was noted.

By the end of this year, 3 units of propane-butane mixture and a plant for production of synthetic fuel (GTL) will be commissioned. As a result, imports of jet fuel, diesel and liquefied natural gas will be completely replaced.

40 percent of the electricity produced in the country is used for heating and lighting. The cost overruns in this process. For example, 400 kilowatt-hours of electricity, on average, is used in Uzbekistan for heating 1 square meter of area, while in developed countries – 170 kilowatt-hours.

In this regard, instructions have been given on the widespread use of energy-saving technologies in development and construction of multi-story buildings, and on attracting foreign investment to improve the energy efficiency of social facilities.

In the course of analysis of energy consumption in industry, the task was set to develop a program of measures to improve energy efficiency in the context of spheres and industries. Instructions were given on studying the energy efficiency of 285 large industrial enterprises with involvement of international energy audit organizations, as well as reducing electricity tariffs for entrepreneurs who organized work in three shifts, 1.5 times for the night shift.

Renewable energy sources are one of the huge reserves that have not yet been fully utilized. Of course, in the beginning, this sector will require large infusions. However, this will justify itself, since in the future it will solve the problem of the shortage of natural gas and oil, at least save consumers costs by half.

For example, if solar panels and water heating systems are installed in 150 thousand houses, this could save 319 million cubic meters of natural gas per year.

The importance of stimulating the use of renewable energy sources, reviewing legislation and creating additional conditions for consumers based on world experience was emphasized. Issues related to attracting direct investment in the industry, the construction of solar photovoltaic and wind power plants in the regions were considered.

Implementation of an automated system for accounting and control of electricity and natural gas consumption was also discussed.

Taking into account the lack of funds at the enterprises of the fuel and energy complex due to quarantine, measures have been identified for providing them with financial support and increasing working capital.

Responsible persons provided information on the issues discussed at the meeting.

kun.uz