Uzbekistan has approved a presidential decree to establishing a strategy to boost development of renewable and hydrogen energy.
The decree follows an agreement signed earlier this year between the Ministry of Energy, ACWA Power from Saudi Arabia and Air Products in the US for the development of hydrogen and green energy in Uzbekistan.
It outlines measures to support the introduction of innovative technologies to develop hydrogen and renewable energy sources, build hydrogen infrastructure to promote energy efficiency and security, and enable Uzbekistan’s transition to a green economy.
The Ministry of Energy said that the proposed hydrogen energy infrastructure, and introduction of further renewable energy sources into the country’s energy mix, requires the implementation of scientific research.
This research will be carried out by the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources, which has been newly created by the decree under the auspices of the Ministry.
The Institute aims to implement scientific and practical research, develop innovative projects, analyse modern global development trends, and seek to achieve technological leadership in infrastructure provision.
A research centre for hydrogen energy, and a laboratory for testing and certification of renewable and hydrogen technologies, will also be created as part of the institute, the Mininstry added.
Uzbekistan Minister of Energy Alisher Sultanov said: “Uzbekistan is committed to tackling climate change and introducing environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources into the country’s energy mix.
“Today’s Decree supporting the construction of a hydrogen energy infrastructure, and further development of renewable energy sources, is a great step forward in this process.”