Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 28 May, in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, a round table dedicated to geothermal energy was held.

The event brought together government representatives, international organizations and industry experts to discuss the potential and benefits of geothermal energy in Uzbekistan.

The purpose of the round table was to study the possibilities of geothermal energy and develop strategic plans for its implementation.

Among the participants were Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Samandar Sadullayev, Director of the Department of Economics, Finance and Pricing Policy of Transport, Communications, Tourism and Housing and Communal Services Zafar Astanov, Head of the Department of Economic and Financial Regulation of Housing and Communal Services Akmal Abdunazarov, Head of the Department of the Ministry of Geology and Subsoil Use Nurbek Pulatov and others officials.

On behalf of the IMF, the event was attended by Neil McCain, IMF Country Manager for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Ilhem Salamon, Regional Head of Economics and Advisory Services for the Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Tariq Shahovich, Chief Specialist for Private Sector Development, Elena Pavlenko, President of DiXi Group, Madina Nurmatova, IMF Project Manager in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, including geothermal energy development projects, and Sanjeev Kumar, IMF Advisor.

Deputy Minister Samandar Sadullayev opened the meeting by thanking the participants for their presence and emphasizing the importance of developing sustainable energy sources for Uzbekistan.

IMF representatives Ilhem Salamon and Sanjeev Kumar gave a presentation outlining the benefits of geothermal energy for the country. Discussions focused on the technical, economic and environmental benefits of geothermal resources.

Geothermal energy, produced from heat beneath the earth's surface, is a renewable and sustainable source of energy with minimal environmental impact. It can be used to produce electricity, heat buildings and various industrial processes. The introduction of geothermal energy in Uzbekistan can improve energy security, create jobs and promote environmental sustainability.

The event included an interactive session during which potential locations for geothermal projects, the role of central and local governments and other important issues were discussed.

Participants also exchanged views on policy and regulatory frameworks, financial mechanisms and investment opportunities to support geothermal projects, as well as the potential for job creation and industrial development.

As a result of the meeting, it was decided to expand cooperation and conduct additional consultations on planned projects.