Uzbekistan builds large waste-to-energy plants with Chinese partners ^{CEFR B2}

In July 2025 Uzbekistan began building large waste-to-energy (WTE) plants with Chinese investors to tackle its growing waste problem. The first plant started construction on July 7, 2025 in Andijan with China International CAMCE; it will burn 1,500 tons of waste daily and generate 240 million kWh of electricity. CAMCE will invest USD 140 million and cover costs. The second plant began on July 18, 2025 in Samarkand with Shanghai SUS Environment; it will also burn 1,500 tons daily and produce 240 million kWh, with an investment of USD 150 million.

These projects form part of a larger plan: Uzbekistan has deals with three Chinese companies to build at least seven WTE plants in six provinces and Tashkent by 2027. CAMCE will build two more plants in Tashkent and Tashkent province; SUS Environment will build one in Qashadaryo; China Everbright International will build two in Namangan and Fergana. The Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development was created in September 2024. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev described the projects in October 2024 as important for land, water, health, air quality and energy stability.

National waste figures show 14 million tons per year with only 4 percent recycled. Many landfills sit 750–900 meters from settlements and release over 7 million tons of greenhouse gases and 43,000 tons of toxic leachates annually. In addition to the Chinese projects, Uzbekistan plans a WTE project with the Emirati Tadweer Group and two landfill-gas plants financed by Korean companies. Together these ventures will burn more than 4.7 million tons annually, generate 2.1 billion kWh worth USD 97 million, save 152 million cubic meters of natural gas, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.4 million tons.

Concerns remain about transparency and health risks. The state guaranteed to buy electricity from the Chinese plants for the next 30 years, and critics ask why there was no open tender and what other concessions exist. Human rights observers say limited space for public feedback and a climate of reprisals have kept communities from speaking out. Studies link old or poorly maintained incinerators to neoplasia, birth defects, infant mortality and miscarriages. Plastics make up more than 10 percent of solid waste; burning plastic can release dioxins, furans, microplastics and other hazardous chemicals. Chinese firms face domestic overcapacity, and it remains unclear how Uzbek authorities will manage contract details, public input and long-term environmental monitoring.