Shanghai Cooperation Organization Green Energy Initiative

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Developments: Green Energy Illuminates the Silk Road

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is witnessing an exciting transformation under China's leadership since the Astana Summit of July 2024. As China steers the helm as the rotating chairman and prepares for the Heads of State Summit in Tianjin in late 2025, a spotlight shines on the green energy advancements within its member states. This comprehensive development reflects the organization's commitment to sustainable progress and regional cooperation through innovative energy solutions.

One of the leading forces driving this green energy revolution is LONGi, a Chinese enterprise that is making waves across Central Asia with its commitment to sustainable development. LONGi's initiatives not only bring Chinese technological strength but also its innovative energy solutions, fulfilling the SCO's goals for regional transformation and a low-carbon future. The company's strategic approach to renewable energy deployment has become a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative's green development objectives.

Uzbekistan: A Hub for Innovation in Green Energy

A key player in this transformation is Uzbekistan, where Chinese enterprises have made significant strides in photovoltaic and green hydrogen development. In the vibrant regions of Tashkent, Bukhara, and Kashkadarya, large-scale photovoltaic power stations have been erected using LONGi's Hi-MO series photovoltaic modules. These projects are tailored with remarkably crack-resistant TaiRay silicon wafers, ensuring robustness in the varied Central Asian climate conditions and maintaining optimal performance throughout diverse weather patterns.

Taking the spotlight is the Buka District project, scheduled for grid connection in June 2025. This 263-megawatt installation is set to produce a remarkable 570 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, significantly easing Tashkent City's power supply pressures. Meanwhile, in Bukhara and Kashkadarya, two photovoltaic installations totaling 1 GW appear on the horizon, with enough power to generate 2.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. This monumental achievement represents a major cost-saving initiative for Uzbekistan, reducing approximately 520 million cubic meters of natural gas consumption annually. The success of these projects has garnered significant praise from Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev, highlighting the effectiveness of Sino-Uzbek energy cooperation.

The Green Hydrogen Frontier

In a pioneering development for Central Asia, a 20 MW green hydrogen plant in northern Tashkent was commissioned in July 2025. This groundbreaking project employs LONGi's alkaline electrolysis equipment to generate around 3,000 tons of high-purity green hydrogen annually, primarily for nitrogen fertilizer synthesis. By achieving a reduction of nearly 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, this plant sets new standards for industrial decarbonization and places the region prominently on the global map for green electricity and green hydrogen innovations.

The facility represents the successful implementation of integrated renewable energy solutions, combining photovoltaic power generation with hydrogen production to create a comprehensive clean energy ecosystem. This approach demonstrates the potential for scaling similar projects across other SCO member states, establishing a regional network of interconnected green energy infrastructure that supports both economic development and environmental sustainability goals.

Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts

Further illustrating LONGi's dedication to social causes and corporate responsibility, a 700 kW solar power station has been donated to the UNHCR in Termez, near the Afghan border. Scheduled for grid connection in September 2024, this solar installation will generate almost one million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually, supporting crucial humanitarian efforts with reliable, carbon-free electricity. This initiative demonstrates how renewable energy technology can serve multiple purposes, addressing both environmental concerns and humanitarian needs simultaneously.

The project near Termez exemplifies the broader social impact potential of renewable energy initiatives, providing sustainable power solutions for organizations working in challenging environments. This approach aligns with the SCO's broader objectives of promoting regional stability and cooperation while addressing humanitarian challenges through technological innovation and international collaboration.

Strengthening SCO Cooperation for a Greener Future

Under the SCO's collaborative framework, LONGi's comprehensive endeavors underscore a shared vision for a sustainable future, perfectly aligned with the organization's push towards green development and enhanced energy security. These initiatives provide a compelling demonstration of successful international cooperation, showcasing China's leadership role in steering innovative solutions along the Belt and Road Initiative. The projects serve as concrete examples of how technological advancement can drive regional development while addressing global environmental challenges.

The energy cooperation achievements represent more than mere technological deployment; they embody a strategic approach to regional development that prioritizes environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social responsibility. As the SCO continues to evolve under China's chairmanship, these green energy initiatives establish important precedents for future collaborative projects across member states.

Looking Forward: The Tianjin Summit and Beyond

These celebrated collaborations and transformative projects bring to life the visionary concept of universal solar energy access, further enriching the conversation at the upcoming Tianjin Summit. The achievements demonstrate the vibrational synergy between China's innovative technological capabilities and regional green development aspirations, creating a model for sustainable cooperation that extends beyond traditional economic partnerships.

The success of these initiatives provides a strong foundation for expanded cooperation and technological exchange within the SCO framework. As member states witness the tangible benefits of renewable energy deployment, including reduced energy costs, improved energy security, and significant environmental improvements, the foundation is established for even more ambitious collaborative projects in the future. The Tianjin Summit will likely serve as a platform for announcing additional green energy initiatives and expanding the scope of renewable energy cooperation throughout the region.