Center for State Ecological Expertise

The meeting was attended by the management and specialists of the Center for State Environmental Expertise, representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, industrial enterprises, research institutions, industry associations, and international experts from the World Bank Group.

The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the draft Roadmap for the phased transition of priority industrial sectors to BAT. The Roadmap envisages the introduction of modern technological solutions, reductions in pollutant emissions, more efficient use of energy and water resources, and a reduction in the adverse environmental impacts of industrial activities.

During the meeting, representatives of the Center for State Environmental Expertise, together with international experts from the World Bank Group, presented conceptual and methodological approaches to developing a national BAT system, the results of preliminary testing of the proposed methodology, and the initial draft of the Roadmap, covering priority measures through the end of 2028.

The cement industry, mineral fertilizer production, thermal power generation, and large boiler installations are being considered priority sectors for the initial development of BAT reference documents. The selection of these sectors is driven by the need to reduce industrial air pollution as a matter of priority and improve the environmental performance of energy-intensive industries.

Particular attention was paid to developing national BAT reference documents that take into account international experience and the specific operating conditions of enterprises in Uzbekistan. These reference documents are expected to provide a methodological basis for determining achievable environmental and resource efficiency benchmarks, selecting optimal technological solutions, and ensuring the gradual modernization of existing production facilities.

At the same time, BAT implementation is viewed not only as a means of meeting environmental requirements but also as an opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of domestic industry by reducing production costs, using raw materials, water, and energy more efficiently, minimizing waste generation, and introducing circular economy principles.

Another important topic was the improvement of environmental regulation, industrial monitoring, and corporate reporting systems. Participants discussed the development of a reliable information base on actual pollutant emissions, production process characteristics, and resource-use efficiency. Such data are essential for objectively assessing the current environmental performance of industrial facilities and establishing realistic timelines for their transition to BAT.

The draft Roadmap also addresses institutional arrangements for this work, including the establishment of sectoral and thematic expert groups, the development of national expertise and technical capacity, specialist training, and improvements to the relevant regulatory and legal framework.

Special emphasis was placed on the need to establish economic incentives for the environmental modernization of enterprises, attract investment, and leverage opportunities provided by international financial institutions to implement projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing industrial pollution.

During group discussions, representatives of the organizations concerned examined the proposed priorities of the Roadmap, as well as issues related to interagency cooperation, information provision, financing, and the practical implementation of BAT measures.

The outcomes of the discussions and the proposals put forward by participants will be used to further refine the draft Roadmap, clarify its implementation mechanisms, and identify priority tasks for sectoral expert groups.

The implementation of Best Available Techniques is an important component of Uzbekistan's transition towards an environmentally sustainable model of industrial development. The consistent implementation of this approach will create favorable conditions for the technological modernization of enterprises, reduced environmental pollution, improved production efficiency, and a better quality of life for the population.

The Center for State Environmental Expertise will continue its work on developing the national BAT system in cooperation with government authorities, industrial enterprises, the scientific community, and international partners.