The Center for Economic Research and Reforms Presented the First Comprehensive Assessment of Carbon Emission Reduction in Uzbekistan’s Cement Industry
In Tashkent, the results of the first systematic assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in Uzbekistan’s cement industry were discussed, and priority areas for technological modernization in the context of the transition to a low-carbon economy were identified with the participation of local and international experts.
Tashkent, April 28, 2026. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a roundtable discussion dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in Uzbekistan’s cement industry.
The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, industry specialists, scientists, industrial enterprises, financial institutions, as well as international organizations.
The purpose of the event was to discuss the results of the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry, as well as to develop practical approaches for technological modernization of the sector and transition to low-carbon development.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Director of the Center Nozimjon Ortikov emphasized that the development of the industry and the reduction of the carbon footprint are interrelated tasks. According to him, modernization of cement production will simultaneously ensure economic growth and enhance the environmental sustainability of the sector.
Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan Anas Karman highlighted the important role of the construction sector in the country’s economy and stressed the need for accelerated implementation of low-carbon solutions in cement production.
Experts of the Center, Abdurashid Bozorov and Bakhtiyor Ismailov, presented the results of a comprehensive baseline assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry. This assessment was prepared based on the methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Decarbonization of the cement industry is of particular importance in the context of Uzbekistan’s international climate commitments. According to updated targets, the country plans to reduce the carbon intensity of GDP by 50 percent by 2035 compared to 2010 levels. In addition, the possibility of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 is also being considered.
At the same time, the cement industry continues to demonstrate steady growth. In recent years, production volume has more than doubled, increasing from 10.5 million tons in 2019 to over 20 million tons at present. According to experts, demand will remain high due to the development of infrastructure and the construction sector.
According to the presented data, 24 cement plants are currently operating in the country with a total annual capacity of approximately 37 million tons. At the same time, actual production volume amounts to around 21.5 million tons.
Analysis shows that the 13 largest enterprises account for about 95 percent of total production, indicating a high concentration of output and the need to create conditions for technological modernization.
According to the Center’s estimates, carbon dioxide emissions at the clinker production stage (the main component of cement) amount to approximately 9 million tons per year, excluding energy consumption, fuel, and transportation. In this regard, it was noted that modernization of the largest enterprises would ensure the main share of emission reduction potential in the industry.
The results of the study, including a survey of 16 leading enterprises that account for approximately three-quarters of cement production, as well as comparative analysis with international indicators, demonstrate significant potential for reducing the carbon footprint in the sector. In particular, this potential is associated with optimizing cement composition, increasing energy efficiency in production, and expanding the use of alternative fuels.
At the same time, further development of the industry and attraction of “green” investments require improvement of financing conditions, expanded access to modern technologies, simplification of regulatory procedures, as well as training of qualified personnel and formation of demand for environmentally friendly products.
Implementation of a set of measures, including improving energy efficiency, reducing the share of clinker, introducing waste heat recovery technologies, and developing carbon capture solutions, will ensure sustainable emission reductions and enhance the competitiveness of the industry.
Center for Economic Research and Reforms
Public Relations Department
