Uzbekistan unveils hydrogen energy strategy

Uzbekistan has approved a presidential decree to develop hydrogen and renewable energy in the country, H2 Bulletin reports.

Uzbekistan will ensure that the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen energy is in place to support the development process. For that purpose, the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources has been established to work under the Ministry of Energy.

The institute aims to a dedicated research centre for hydrogen energy and establishes a laboratory that would conduct testing and certification of renewable and hydrogen energy technologies. The institute’s working scope includes implementing scientific and practical research, developing hydrogen and renewable energy projects, analysing the global energy markets, and leading the technological development in the region.

These initiatives are expected to help Uzbekistan meeting the energy needs of the economy and put the country on the road to a green economy.

The decree is the first step towards guiding the country to develop green hydrogen energy and renewable energy sources. The government also aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 10% by 2030 regarding 2010 levels. It has been taking several measures to cut emission and reduce energy consumption, such as promoting energy-saving technologies and introducing renewable energy sources.

The decree follows the recent agreement signed between the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and the US’s Air Products to develop research programs and projects in the field of hydrogen and renewable energy. The agreement would support the country efforts to reduce emissions as part of a global commitment to the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.