Uzbekistan to launch pilot project for methane production from biogas

Minister Aziz Abduhakimov met with Haruki Yamasaki, CEO of Japan's Le One Co., Ltd, to discuss plans for bilateral cooperation within the framework of an innovative environmental technology pilot project.

During the discussions, it was revealed that Le One Co., Ltd had secured a $4 million grant for the 2025–2030 period. The grant was awarded by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as part of an international demonstration program promoting advanced Japanese technologies in decarbonization and green energy.

As part of the project, a pilot plant will be established in Uzbekistan to produce methane from biogas generated through the processing of organic waste. The initiative aims to achieve multiple environmental and economic goals simultaneously: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, safely disposing of waste, producing biohumus for agricultural use, and introducing a hybrid circulation technology that combines chemical cleaning with deep purification systems in line with Japanese standards.

“The project envisions the use of biogas as an alternative energy source. It will not only reduce environmental pressures but also offer an energy-efficient waste management model,” the ministry stated. “The technology fully aligns with the goals of sustainable development and the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement was reached to prepare and sign a bilateral memorandum between Le One Co., Ltd and the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy under the Ministry of Ecology. This document will outline the mutual obligations of the parties and serve as the foundation for launching the pilot project.

Earlier in June, a pilot initiative using Japanese technology to produce synthetic methane from a propane–air mixture was launched in Tashkent region. Plans are underway to scale the project nationwide.