[October thematic report] - Energy Generation in Uzbekistanby Dhyey Vank | 25-10-2022 16:20 |
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Renewable energy is termed as energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, this ultimately leads to sustainability as using renewable energy doesn't emit carbon emissions neither persists of a risk about running out, the examples include Solar energy, Wind Energy, Hydroelectric Energy, etc. Uzbekistan has made leaps in the field of exploring renewable energy systems as viable options, but conventional fossil fuels are still dominant currently, according to a report by the national ministry 79% of the Energy utility is produced by non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels resulting in around 43,699,660 MWh, whereas only 21 % of the energy demands are met by renewable sources of energy resulting in only 11,855,000 MWh. This calls for drastic implementation in the state legislature to move towards sustainability which is actually being taken by the government. In 2019, the government adopted a law on renewable energy and set up subsidies for energy users to encourage the move to clean energy sources. The message "We have set a target of 25 percent of renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydro) generation by 2030 and we are going to achieve it,¡± was conveyed by the ministry of energy and resources. In 2021, the Government of Uzbekistan has also announced its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050 This leads us into questioning the technological advances and limits a developing country like Uzbekistan has to face. Currently Uzbekistan's renewable energy infrastructure is being propelled by partnership with USaid as much as that, the first 100 megawatts solar power plant is now operational in the Navoi region while country is also working with international financial institutions (IFIs) to announce tenders for up to two gigawatts of solar energy projects. This shows how limited by technology our country has dared to leap in such a sector and succeeded. Currently limited by technology Uzbekistan aspires to be a country run mostly on renewable energy in the future and have bold plans for it. Despite Uzbekistan being the 12th largest country in terms of Uranium deposits it has no Nuclear powerplant as of now for energy production, although it is proposing a need for a nuclear power station as the country is struggling to keep up with growing energy consumption in recent years. The pros of building a nuclear station are pronounced: It not only helps for the employment of thousands in an area but also has a very low carbon emission into the environment making it very clean compared to fossil fuels, although talking about the cons of a Nuclear power plant the image of Chernobyl always haunts our imagination, although the authorities claim that new powerplants will be build considering the previous accidents in mind, the risk of radiation leak or meltdown persists which can lead to thousands suffering and being displaced, not just this but another con is to store the nuclear waste safely without contamination of nearby areas. Overall nuclear energy can be a very beneficial resource for a developing country if used safely and effectively. This discussion leads us to the next method of energy production, perhaps the most popular one in Uzbekistan: Burning of Fossil fuels. As mentioned earlier the majority of Uzbekistan's Energy needs are met by the burning of Fossil fuels, this type of energy production proves out to be very alarming towards environment due to the vast amount of Carbon dioxide produced (a greenhouse gas) which traps heat in the environment raising temperatures worldwide and causing Global warming, burning them also releases other acidic gases such as Sulphur oxide and Nitrogen oxide which lead to acid rain and destruction of life on the ground. Fossil fuel needs also indirectly lead to destruction of environment as mines are made to meet the energy demands by cutting down trees and eroding soils. Thus, the report concludes that Renewable energy is the only viable option governments and public are left with, if in search of a sustainable future.  |
