The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a consultative seminar dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in Uzbekistan’s cement industry.
The event brought together representatives of government agencies, academia, industrial enterprises, financial institutions, and international partners.
The seminar aimed to discuss the results of the greenhouse gas emissions assessment in the cement sector, as well as to develop practical approaches for technological modernization and the transition to low-carbon development.
Opening the event, Nozimjon Ortikov, Deputy Director of CERR, noted that sectoral development and reducing the carbon footprint are complementary objectives. According to him, modernization of cement production would simultaneously support economic growth and strengthen the environmental sustainability of the sector.
Anas Qarman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of the construction sector for the national economy and the need to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions in cement production.
Abdurashid Bozorov, Head of Sector at CERR, presented a comprehensive baseline assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in the cement industry, prepared in accordance with the methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The decarbonization of the cement industry is becoming increasingly important in the context of Uzbekistan’s international climate commitments. Under its updated targets, the country plans to reduce the carbon intensity of GDP by 50% by 2035 compared to the 2010 level, while also considering the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2060.
At the same time, the cement industry continues to demonstrate steady growth. Over recent years, production volumes have more than doubled, from 10.5 million tons in 2019 to more than 20 million tons at present. According to experts, demand is expected to remain strong due to continued infrastructure development and expansion of the construction sector.
According to the data presented, Uzbekistan currently has 24 cement plants with a combined production capacity of around 37 million tons per year, while actual output stands at approximately 21.5 million tons.
The analysis shows that 13 largest enterprises account for around 95% of total production, indicating a high concentration of output and the importance of creating conditions for technological modernization.
According to CERR estimates, carbon dioxide emissions generated during clinker production – the main component of cement – amount to around 9 million tons per year, excluding emissions related to energy consumption, fuel use, and transportation. In this regard, it was noted that modernization measures targeting the largest enterprises would unlock the majority of the sector’s emissions reduction potential.
The study results, including a survey of 16 leading enterprises accounting for around three-quarters of cement production, as well as benchmarking against international indicators, point to substantial room for reducing the carbon footprint. In particular, the potential lies in optimizing cement composition, improving production energy efficiency, and expanding the use of alternative fuels.
At the same time, further sector development and the attraction of green investment require improved financing conditions, better access to modern technologies, simplification of regulatory procedures, as well as the training of qualified personnel and the creation of demand for environmentally sustainable products.
The implementation of a comprehensive package of measures, including higher energy efficiency, lower clinker content, waste heat recovery technologies, and the development of carbon capture solutions – will ensure sustainable emissions reductions and enhance the competitiveness of the industry.
CERR Public Relations Sector
leave a comment