In Uzbekistan, there are plans to implement hybrid heating systems starting in 2027

Uzbekistan plans to begin introducing hybrid heating systems from 2027

From 2027, Uzbekistan plans a phased transition to hybrid heating systems that will operate on multiple sources of energy and fuel.

This was announced on October 14 by Ilkhom Turayev, Chairman of the Board of Issikliktaminoti.

The press conference discussed the readiness of the heating system for possible disruptions in natural gas supplies. In particular, the discussion focused on what alternative energy sources and technological solutions could be used for heating in the event of a gas shortage or shutdown.

Answering the question, Ilkhom Turayev 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.

"Regarding a possible gas shutdown, a long-term strategy for the development of the heat supply sector is currently being developed. Consultants have been brought in with the support of the World Bank. Together with them, we have identified four or five scenarios: electrification, hybrid solutions, the use of geothermal heat sources and solar panels. Now the consultants are conducting comprehensive calculations," the head of the company said.

According to him, one of the key areas will be the introduction of hybrid systems, which will allow using different energy sources for heat generation.

"One thing I can say: from 2027, as part of our programs, we will transition to hybrid systems," Turayev stated.

He clarified that such solutions are being considered, among other things, for new residential buildings and "Yangi Uzbekistan" developments.

Among the possible energy and fuel sources, the chairman of the company named natural gas, electricity, diesel units, and alternative fuels. It is also planned to utilize solar energy, solar collectors, and heat pumps.

A separate direction of the reform will be the conversion of district heating to closed systems, which will make it possible to regulate heat supply more flexibly.

According to Turayev, this transition is provided for by Presidential Decree No. PQ-100 dated March 11, 2025.

The chairman of Issikliktaminoti explained that under the current open system, the possibilities for regulating heating are limited. After switching to a closed system, where the coolant will circulate in a closed loop, the heat supply can be regulated through individual heating substations.

"When we switch to a closed system, the coolant will circulate through the pipes. Then, if residents are ready to pay for heating, it can be turned on through an individual heating substation depending on their needs. Today, with an open system, there is no such possibility," Turayev explained.

He also answered a question about whether it is possible to change the duration of the heating season, in particular extending it into March, when cold weather still persists in certain regions.

The heating season should begin after five consecutive days during which the average daily outdoor air temperature remains below +8 degrees, and end after a similar period with temperatures above +8 degrees.

Turayev noted that the actual dates for turning heating on and off are determined taking into account the weather forecast.

"No one can say in advance whether the heat supply in Tashkent will start after October 20 or after November 10. The decision is made only after receiving a forecast for the week. It's the same with turning it off. If snow is forecast, no one will stop heating in February. This has never happened in history," he said.

According to the head of the company, heating usually continues in March as well, and its shutdown is generally considered after Navruz, taking into account weather conditions.

As a reminder, on September 24, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services reported on the development of a Strategy for Sustainable Development of Uzbekistan's Heat Supply until 2032.

World Bank experts are participating in the preparation of the document.

During the first discussion of the strategy, the condition of the infrastructure, thermal energy losses, resource efficiency, and opportunities for modernizing the sector were reviewed.

Among the priority areas, the ministry named the development of district heating, diversification of used fuel types, introduction of alternative and renewable energy sources, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, and attracting private investments.

Earlier, on March 11, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree (PQ-100) on reforming the heating system and improving the energy efficiency of buildings.

The document provides for a program to install 8,681 individual heating substations in apartment buildings and social sector institutions, converting district heating to a closed system.

As part of the reform, JSC Issikliktaminoti was also created, uniting regional heating enterprises.

As the press service of the president reported, 19 trillion sums are planned to be allocated over five years for the restoration and modernization of heating systems. Coverage of district heating is expected to increase from 37% to 58%.

In addition, about 9,000 residential buildings and social facilities are planned to be converted to closed heating systems. It is expected that this will halve heat losses and reduce natural gas consumption by 20%.

In January 2026, it was reported that during the year it is planned to install 400 individual heating substations and update at least 100 km of heating networks.

Residents of apartment buildings cannot independently disconnect their apartments from central heating and switch to individual gas boilers, representatives stated at this press conference at the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Uzbekistan. The department explained that interference in the shared system could disrupt the heat supply to neighboring apartments.