Uzbekistan builds large waste-to-energy plants with Chinese partnersCEFR B1
24 Oct 2025
Adapted from Brian Hioe, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Vincent Tint, Unsplash
Uzbekistan started construction of two large waste-to-energy plants with Chinese firms in July 2025. The first plant began 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 the construction costs. Operators will earn money from waste fees and electricity sales.
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 invest USD 150 million. These two are part of deals with three Chinese companies to build at least seven plants in six provinces and Tashkent by 2027. An agency for waste management was set up in September 2024.
Uzbekistan makes 14 million tons of waste yearly and recycles only 4 percent. Landfills are often 750–900 meters from settlements and release over 7 million tons of greenhouse gases and 43,000 tons of toxic leachates each year. Observers raise concerns about limited public feedback, health risks from incineration, and a lack of open tenders for contracts.
Difficult words
- plant — a facility for producing something.plants
- waste — unwanted materials or substances.waste problem, waste-to-energy
- electricity — energy used for power and light.
- pollution — harmful substances in the environment.
- recycle — to process used materials for reuse.recycling
- energy — the power to do work or produce heat.
- government — the group of people who rule a country.
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 transparency is important in agreements?
- What benefits might come from these plants?
- How can recycling be improved in Uzbekistan?
Related articles
Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climate
The Caribbean saw political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, major cultural wins and environmental challenges. Hurricanes and renewable energy plans shaped the year, while sport successes and political debates marked regional headlines.
Leather waste turned into coffee fertiliser in Uganda
Researchers in Uganda have turned leather production waste into an organic fertiliser for coffee. Trials showed strong results, and the team plans a market-ready product by November to sell in several East and Central African countries.
Low pesticide exposure speeds aging in fish
Researchers found that long-term exposure to low levels of a common agricultural insecticide caused faster physiological aging and shorter lifespans in wild and laboratory fish. The study links telomere shortening and lipofuscin buildup to chlorpyrifos exposure.