In Central Asian countries, up to 75% of power plants and grids require modernization, while electricity demand is projected to increase by 40% by 2030. Experts from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) are proposing a 'middle path' solution to address this challenge - modernizing old capacities and gradually developing renewable energy sources (RES).

Analysts emphasize that Central Asia faces a serious challenge: infrastructure is rapidly aging, yet the energy system must simultaneously be reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly. According to experts, extreme scenarios - either 'green maximalism' or maintaining the dominance of coal and gas - are highly risky.

The 'middle path' approach enables a reduction in capital expenditures by one-third compared to a radical transition to RES, lowers the cost of electricity by more than a quarter, and cuts the carbon footprint fivefold relative to a conservative scenario. This approach yields a balanced outcome: electricity remains affordable, the energy system becomes sustainable, and emissions are significantly reduced.

The practical value of this strategy lies in its formation of a foundation for regional energy policy until 2050. Implementing these proposals would allow Central Asian countries to strengthen energy security, maintain electricity affordability for populations and businesses, reduce environmental pressure, and create conditions for sustainable growth amid new technological and climate realities.

It is worth recalling that on March 13, 2026, Uzbekistan's energy system recorded a new record for the share of renewable energy sources. As of 11:00, total electricity consumption in the country reached 9.9 thousand megawatts, of which 4.3 thousand megawatts - representing 43% - was covered by 'green' sources.

Source: podrobno.uz