The EBRD’s climate contradiction: Syrdarya fossil-gas plant locks Uzbekistan into Russian energy dependence
Issue paper | 29 May 2025
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) claims to be a leader in championing climate finance. However, its USD 200 million investment in the 1,500-megawatt combined-cycle gas turbine power plant in the Syrdarya region of Uzbekistan exposes significant contradictions between the EBRD’s stated commitments and its actual financing decisions.
The EBRD’s support for this fossil-gas power plant not only locks Uzbekistan into long-term dependence on fossil fuel from Russia, but also casts doubt on the project’s claimed environmental benefits, which are difficult to prove.
This issue paper outlines the environmental concerns surrounding the Syrdarya project, examines renewable energy alternatives to fossil gas, and provides recommendations for the EBRD.
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