Waste management and circular economy development agency

It is known that in recent years, on the initiative of the country’s leadership, special attention has been paid to environmental protection, particularly to turning waste into an important component of the economy. A number of measures are being implemented in this direction to ensure effective sector management, reduce the number of landfills and improve public satisfaction.

In particular, agreements were signed between the Director of the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development and the leading environmental company of China — China Everbright International — on the supply of waste for the implementation of modern projects aimed at waste processing and energy generation. According to the agreement, a project to produce electricity through thermal waste treatment will be gradually implemented in Namangan Region. It is being carried out by the major Chinese company China Everbright International.

In this field, on March 24, 2024, Presidential Decree No. PQ-117 was adopted regarding measures for implementing investment projects for electricity generation through the incineration of solid household waste. The document provides for improving the region’s environmental situation, introducing modern solutions and technologies in the field of waste processing and energy production, as well as attracting direct investments.

Today, November 29, a capsule was laid and construction of a waste incineration plant was launched on a 10-hectare land plot located in the “Zarafshon” mahalla of Chust district.

The opening ceremony was attended by investors, the regional hokim, the Deputy Director of the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development, representatives of the Ecology Department and other structures, mahalla residents, sanitation services, and the general public.

In Namangan Region, China Everbright International is investing 141.5 million USD. It is planned to process 1.5 thousand tons of waste per day, or up to 547 thousand tons per year, and to generate 227.5 million kWh of electricity annually. The project is also significant because it will create 150–200 new jobs. Commissioning of the facility is scheduled for 2027.

According to the agreements on electricity purchase and solid waste supply, the company will supply the generated electricity to Uzenergosbyt JSC on a guaranteed basis for 30 years.

For reference: the plan provides for the construction of waste-to-energy complexes in 9 regions — Tashkent, Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Kashkadarya, Samarkand, Bukhara, Jizzakh and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The project proposals were presented to the President in October 2024.

This year, construction of three waste incineration plants began simultaneously: in Andijan in cooperation with China International CAMCE, in Samarkand with the participation of Shanghai SUS Environment, and a third one in Fergana by China Everbright International.

These initiatives are in line with the principles of the “green economy,” contribute to ensuring Uzbekistan’s environmental sustainability, and help create a clean and healthy environment for future generations.