A solar power plant has been launched in the Bukhara region by the KNAUF GIPS BUKHARA factory.

On November 21, the solar power plant of KNAUF GIPS BUKHARA was commissioned in the Bukhara region. This facility, with a capacity of 0.9 MW, covers an area of 2 hectares and has become an essential part of the company's strategy to transition to a green economy and reduce its carbon footprint. Construction began in April 2024 and was completed in just four months, demonstrating a high level of project organization. The construction budget amounted to 1 million euros.

The solar power plant will provide approximately 30% of the company's daily electricity needs. Part of the generated energy will feed into the city grid and will also be used to charge employees' electric vehicles. This project not only contributes to the company's development but also symbolizes the changes that promote sustainable development and support local infrastructure. During the opening ceremony, company representatives noted that this is the first step towards global changes.

The Hokim of the Kagan district of Bukhara region, Otabek Kazakov, emphasized the project's significance not only for the company but for the entire region. “Today, there are 350 enterprises with foreign investments operating in Bukhara region, but the region is just beginning to unlock its potential. The commissioning of facilities based on renewable energy sources (RES), such as the KNAUF solar power plant, contributes to the development of the region's green economy and creates new opportunities for sustainable growth,” said Otabek Kazakov.

The General Director of KNAUF Uzbekistan remarked: “Make tomorrow a home for all of us. Every inhabitant of the planet has an obligation to live and work based on the global idea of acting with care for future generations.” These words reflect the company's long-term goals, which include a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2032 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

The solar power plant project has become a model for other company enterprises. Implemented in a very short time and at a high technical level, it represents best practices that will be transferred to KNAUF facilities in Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and possibly other countries. Uzbekistan has proven to be a successful experimental site, and perhaps even more.

Starting in 2025, KNAUF plans to introduce cogeneration units powered by natural gas. These devices not only generate energy but also reuse exhaust gases for drying and firing products. This innovation will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and enhance production energy efficiency. Concurrently, facilities for electric drying of gypsum board are being developed in Germany, which will eliminate CO2, CO, and NOX emissions.

The company is also implementing waste recycling and resource reuse programs. As part of the Zero Waste to disposal initiative, treated wastewater is used for irrigating the company’s grounds, reducing the environmental burden. Energy efficiency is another crucial aspect of the company's operations. Infrared heaters are used to heat work areas only when employees are present, while cooling is managed by modern evaporators. These approaches minimize energy costs while maintaining high employee comfort.

KNAUF GIPS BUKHARA sets the tone in the region among enterprises, demonstrating how environmental projects can be both economically beneficial and socially significant. This project underscores the company’s leadership in creating a green economy by developing renewable energy sources and improving environmental production standards.