Uzbekistan builds large waste-to-energy plants with Chinese partnersCEFR A2
24 Oct 2025
Adapted from Brian Hioe, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Vincent Tint, Unsplash
Construction started on the first plant on July 7, 2025 in Andijan with China International CAMCE. That plant will burn 1,500 tons of waste every day and generate 240 million kWh of electricity. CAMCE will invest USD 140 million and cover the 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. SUS Environment will spend USD 150 million to build it.
These projects are part of a plan to build at least seven plants by 2027. Uzbekistan produces 14 million tons of waste a year and only 4 percent is recycled. Some people worry about transparency and health risks.
Difficult words
- plant — a building or place for producing something.plants
- waste — unwanted materials or items.
- energy — the ability to do work or cause change.
- electricity — a form of energy that powers devices.
- reduce — to make something smaller or less.
- pollution — harmful substances in the environment.
- environment — the surrounding conditions of living things.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think waste-to-energy plants are important?
- How can reducing pollution impact the community?
- What other energy sources can be used in Uzbekistan?
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