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In Uzbekistan, hybrid heat supply systems are planned to be introduced starting in 2027
In Uzbek In O‘zbek 19 October 2026, 16:01 Society
In Uzbekistan, it is planned to begin the transition to hybrid heat supply systems using several sources of energy and fuel starting in 2027. This was announced at a press conference on October 14 by the chairman of the board of “Issiqlikta’minoti,” Ilkhom Turaev.
At the press conference, the issue of the heat supply system’s readiness for possible disruptions in natural gas supplies was raised. In particular, it was discussed which alternative energy sources and technological solutions could be used for heating in the event of a gas shortage or a halt in its supply.
Answering the question, Ilkhom Turaev said that a long-term strategy for the development of Uzbekistan’s heat supply is currently being developed. International consultants have been brought in for this work with the support of the World Bank.
“As for a possible halt in gas supply, a long-term strategy for the development of the heat supply sector is being developed today. Consultants have been brought in with the support of the World Bank. Together with them, we have identified four to five scenarios: electrification, hybrid solutions, the use of geothermal heat sources and solar panels. The consultants are now carrying out comprehensive calculations,” the company head said.
According to him, one of the main directions will be the introduction of hybrid systems that make it possible to use various energy sources to produce heat.
“I can say one thing: starting in 2027, within the framework of our programs, we will move to hybrid systems,” Turaev said.
He clarified that such solutions are being considered, including for new residential buildings and the “Yangi Uzbekistan” neighborhoods.
As possible sources of energy and fuel, the company chairman named natural gas, electricity, diesel units and alternative fuels. In addition, it is planned to use solar energy, solar collectors and heat pumps.
Transition to closed heat supply systems
A separate area of the reform is the conversion of centralized heat supply to closed systems, which will make it possible to regulate heat supply more flexibly.
According to Turaev, the transition is provided for by Presidential Decree No. PP-100 of March 11, 2025.
The chairman of “Issiqlikta’minoti” explained that under the current open system, the possibilities for regulating heating are limited. After the transition to a closed system, in which the heat carrier circulates in a closed loop, heat supply can be regulated through individual heat substations.
“When we switch to a closed system, the heat carrier will circulate through the pipes. Then, if residents are ready to pay for heating, it can be turned on through an individual heat substation depending on their needs. Today, under the open system, there is no such possibility,” Turaev explained.
He also answered a question about the possibility of changing the length of the heating season, in particular extending it into March, when cold weather still persists in some regions.
The heating season should begin after five consecutive days during which the average daily outdoor temperature remains below +8 degrees, and end after a similar period with temperatures above +8 degrees.
Turaev noted that the actual dates for turning heating on and off are determined taking weather forecasts into account.
“No one can say in advance whether heat supply in Tashkent will begin after October 20 or after November 10. The decision is made only after receiving the forecast for the week. The same goes for turning it off. If snow is forecast, no one will stop heating in February. That has never happened in history,” he said.
According to the company chairman, heating usually continues into March as well, and its shutdown is generally considered after Navruz, depending on weather conditions.
Heat supply strategy until 2032
Recall that on September 24, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services announced the development of the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of Heat Supply in Uzbekistan until 2032.
Experts from the World Bank are participating in the work on the document.
At the first discussion of the strategy, the state of infrastructure, heat energy losses, resource efficiency and the possibilities for modernizing the sector were considered.
Among the priority areas, the ministry named the development of centralized heat supply, diversification of the types of fuel used, the introduction of alternative and renewable energy sources, improving the energy efficiency of buildings and attracting private investment.
Earlier, on March 11, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree (PP-100) on reforming the heat supply system and improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
The document provides for a program to install 8,681 individual heat substations in apartment buildings and social institutions, with the transition of centralized heat supply to a closed system.
As part of the reform, JSC “Issiqlikta’minoti” was also established, uniting regional heat supply enterprises.
As the presidential press service reported, 19 trillion soums are planned to be allocated over five years for the restoration and modernization of heat supply systems. The coverage of centralized heat supply is expected to increase from 37% to 58%.
In addition, about 9,000 residential buildings and social facilities are planned to be switched to closed heat supply systems. This is expected to halve heat losses and reduce natural gas consumption by 20%.
In January 2026, it was reported that 400 individual heat substations are planned to be installed during the year and at least 100 km of heat networks updated.
Residents of apartment buildings cannot independently disconnect apartments from central heating and switch to individual gas boilers, officials from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services said at this press conference. The ministry explained the ban by saying that interference in the common system could disrupt the heat supply of neighboring apartments.
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