Low-Emission Development Path

Discussing biogas sector development; Photo credit: Ekaterina Biryukova, UNDP

On 17th of October, 2012 a round table "Road Map on Development of Biogas Market in Uzbekistan" was arranged by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the UNDP project “Supporting Uzbekistan in transition to low emission development path" in Business Center Poytaht (Tashkent). The round table discussed the road map - a programme of the biogas sector development that will contribute to the Programme of Development of Alternative Energy in Uzbekistan till 2017.

For about two years the UNDP project “Supporting Uzbekistan in transition to low emission development path" is dealing with deployment of biogas installations in provinces of Uzbekistan. This resulted in establishing two Demonstration Centers on Biogas Technologies:one in Syrdarya province and another in Khorezm province. Currently the Centers are supported by promotion materials, researches on domestic production of biogas units and respective legal framework and a training course on biogas technologies introduction for local farmers. As of today over 180 farmers were trained in the Centers, of which 15% were women. Based on the researches and practical experience the project developed a road map on development of biogas market in Uzbekistan and invited its major beneficiaries to a round table for discussion.

The round table participants included representatives of ministries and industry, government institutions and small business. Mr. Mirzamakhmudov, Deputy Minister of Economy noted in his welcoming address: "Such attention given to biogas market development shows the importance and need for this technology in Uzbekistan. All recommendations and experience in the area will be taken into consideration by the ministry to facilitate further development".

Discussion on biogas technology indicated that some industries in Uzbekistan are capable of producing biogas equipment but current level of demand holds the production. Promotion of benefits of biogas installations such as energy cost reduction, and fertilizer production are important to increase demand level.

During the round table discussions views were expressed on the need for normative and regulatory procedures for biogas installations. It was agreed that procedures should be transparent, easy to follow and depend on the size, scale and purpose of the biogas equipment. As for finance of biogas market participants noted that not only low interest credit lines for consumers, but also for manufacturers should be available. Credits should be targeted and long-term in order to stimulate the market.

Kakhramon Ganiev, a private entrepreneur who became interested in biogas installation said: "Farmers are investigating biogas opportunities themselves and it is important to support them by giving advice. It should be also taken into consideration that currently farmers are going for cheaper installations, but in the future as the market grows this option might not be available."

So far, biogas unit have been installed as a pilot projects. The next phase of this process should be their massive introduction that requires a support from both producers and end users. Government support is needed in order to stimulate the market, but its development should be driven by business. Government support is also needed in development of normative and legislative base for deployment and exploitation of biogas installations, in development of special credit lines, tax and customs regulations.

All the proposals and comments expressed during the round table will be considered in finalization of the road map on development of biogas market that will be submitted to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to contribute to the Programme of Development of Alternative Energy in Uzbekistan till 2017.

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