Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan plans to complete 10 major energy projects with a capacity of 4,500 megawatts in 2023. This was stated by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have launched 7 power plants with a capacity of 1.5 thousand megawatts. Next year we will complete 10 more large projects with a capacity of 4.5 thousand megawatts,” he said.

In particular, in Bukhara, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Navoi, Samarkand, Ferghana and Tashkent regions, we will build solar and wind power plants, where an additional 13 billion kilowatts of electricity will be generated. Due to this, the supply of electricity to households will increase by 50 percent, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“Many economists suggest switching to free market relations in the energy sector. I also think this is the right way. However, we must take into account real per capita income, social security of people and implement reforms in the sphere in a balanced and phased manner,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The President noted with regret that our economy consumes twice as much energy as in other countries.

“Therefore, we will adopt the National Energy Efficiency Program,” the head of state said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the use of mini-stations powered by renewable energy sources will be significantly expanded. The installation of solar panels and hot water collectors will become mandatory for all budgetary organizations. As a result, in the next five years, the buildings of state and budgetary organizations will be completely, 100 percent, transferred to the consumption of "green" electricity."

In general, solar panels and hot water collectors will be installed in all state organizations in the coming three years. For this, investments in the amount of US$2 billion will be attracted, the head of state said.

“Due to this, 60 percent of electricity and gas consumption will be transferred to green energy,” the President noted. For households, the amount of subsidies allocated for the installation of solar panels will be doubled,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

At the same time, all licenses previously issued for gas production will be reviewed, and in relation to inefficient enterprises, appropriate measures will be taken, the President said.

“In order to increase gas reserves, we will adopt a ten-year program of geological exploration. So, due to the introduction of new technologies, we will start gas production in deep layers. In particular, we will attract reputable foreign investors to the exploration of highly promising deep formations in Ustyurt,” the head of state said.