LocationsWorkshop on Decarbonizing Uzbekistan’s Cement Sector
April 23, 2026
21 April 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, convened a stakeholder consultation workshop on Decarbonizing Uzbekistan’s Cement Sector today in Tashkent, bringing together representatives from government, academia, industry, financial institutions, and development partners.
The workshop marked a key milestone in supporting Uzbekistan’s Green Transition toward a low carbon economy, addressing GHG emissions from the cement industry - one of the most energy intensive and hard to abate sectors. Globally, cement accounts for approximately 7–8% of total CO₂ emissions due to both energy consumption and process-related emissions. In Uzbekistan, rapid urbanization and infrastructure development are driving increased cement demand, further intensifying the sector’s carbon footprint.
In his opening remarks, the deputy Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reform under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Nozimjon Ortiqov, emphasized:
“This is not a choice between economic growth and climate action. Uzbekistan needs both. The challenge before us is to ensure that the cement sector grows stronger, while also becoming cleaner, more efficient, and more competitive.”
He further noted that decarbonization should be approached as a modernization agenda, grounded in real industry conditions and investment realities.
He further noted that decarbonization should be approached as a modernization agenda, grounded in real industry conditions and investment realities.
The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Uzbekistan , Anas Qarman, similarly emphasized the central role of the construction sector,and therefore cement production, for the country’s economic development, simultaneously reminding the attendees that this industry is one of the most carbon-intensive industries globally.
“So naturally, Uzbekistan is serious about its climate commitments this is a sector we cannot ignore.”
The event presented the first comprehensive GHG baseline assessment for Uzbekistan’s cement sector, conducted using IPCC methodology, providing a solid analytical foundation for the development of a national decarbonization Roadmap. Explored investment mobilization opportunities through the CIF Fund, the Global Matchmaking Platform of the Climate Club, and the integration of science and technology into the cement production process.
Key findings highlighted that:
Based on calculation, cement sector emissions are estimated at around 9 million tonnes of CO2 annually which only represents clinker production emission but does not include other emission sources such as energy use, fuel combustion and transportation.
A key insight from the analysis is the high concentration of production within the sector. While Uzbekistan has 24 operating cement plants, just 13 large facilities account for 95% of total output.
This concentration presents a significant opportunity in that targeted investments and policy measures focused on a limited number of plants could unlock the vast majority of the sector’s decarbonization potential. It also allows for more efficient deployment of climate finance, technology upgrades and ensuring faster and more cost-effective results.
The analysis also identified significant opportunities including energy efficiency improvements, alternative fuels, clinker substitution and emerging technologies as Waste Head Recovery (WHR) and Carbon Capture.
Notably, the survey conducted during the assessment revealed that lack of alternative fuel supply, high capital cost and limited access to finance remain among the most critical barriers to green investment.
Additionally, the “why now?” addressed the global shifts with current and upcoming regulations on Carbon pricing, registries, and international commitments and targets, as the next investment cycle will lock in assets for 30+ years, necessitating a reliable roadmap which intends to reassure the industry of the value of the investments.
The event was organized by UNDP’s Climate Promise through the Pledge to Impact Programme, with generous funding from the governments of Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Iceland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and other UNDP’s core contributors. This programme forms part of UNDP’s contribution to the NDC Partnership.
