Promoting innovative decarbonization solutions through support the implementation of the Joint Crediting Mechanism and demonstration of decarbonization potential of public buildings and public transport in Uzbekistan

Project summary:

Uzbekistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. In recent years, extreme weather — from the harsh winter of 2022–2023 to the heatwaves of 2023–2024 — has disrupted electricity and heating supplies, affecting households, public services, and critical infrastructure. These challenges underscore the urgency of building a more resilient energy system and accelerating the shift toward clean and sustainable energy solutions.

To address these risks, Uzbekistan ratified the Paris Agreement in 2018, committing to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. Meeting this target requires ambitious domestic action, strengthened institutions, and enhanced access to global finance, technology, and expertise.

Main directions of work:

Advancing Cooperation Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

International cooperation is vital to Uzbekistan’s low-carbon transition. In 2022, Uzbekistan and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to implement the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, enabling Japan to support low-carbon projects in Uzbekistan and share the resulting emission reductions—known as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). With our support, the Government is establishing the policy and institutional foundations to operationalize the JCM, including clear project approval procedures, defined institutional roles, strengthened MRV systems, and ITMO authorization processes. These efforts are helping attract new investment, accelerate technology transfer, and advance the country’s NDC targets.

Demonstrating Energy Efficiency Solutions on the Ground

In parallel with national reform efforts, UNDP is supporting practical, demand-side energy-efficiency pilots that demonstrate how climate-friendly technologies can reduce emissions, improve public services, and strengthen energy security. Six pilot initiatives are currently underway in Mirabad Urban District and rural communities in the Syrdarya region, including practical energy-efficiency trials at public facilities — such as a school, three kindergartens, and a hospital — featuring measures such as:

• Improved energy efficiency of building through insulation of walls, roof and basement, as well as installation of energy efficient windows

• Modern heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps

• High-efficiency split units for heating and air conditioning

• A GHG and air-pollution monitoring station along a green transport corridor with e-buses (supported under the UNDP/GEF TAILEV project)

Capacity Building and Capturing Lessons/Scaling Up Impact

UNDP is strengthening institutional capacities to ensure Uzbekistan’s low-carbon transition is fair and inclusive. A targeted training programme is being developed to familiarize at least 40 institutional stakeholders with just transition principles, particularly in the buildings and public transport sectors, equipping government partners to plan and implement equitable decarbonization measures. In parallel, we are documenting the technical, financial, social, environmental and gender impacts of pilot projects, with lessons learned consolidated into practical recommendations for scaling up energy-efficient and climate-friendly solutions across Uzbekistan.