Greenhouses around Tashkent want to keep coal heating. The filters do not yet meet the standards

On October 12, the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change reported on proposals from greenhouse farms in Tashkent city and region regarding the transition to environmentally clean heating technologies. The possibility of preserving their operations while at the same time converting them into "green greenhouses" is being discussed in the capital.

According to the committee, complaints from residents about air pollution from the emissions of greenhouses using coal for heating have increased as a result of the onset of cold days and atmospheric inversion, when temperatures drop sharply at night and there is no wind.

In particular, the appeals came from residents of Tashkent's Yunusabad district, who reported deteriorating air quality and the appearance of unpleasant odors.

According to the committee, ecology service specialists went out to the sites in response to citizens' appeals, conducted inspections to assess the situation and take measures against pollution sources, and took air samples.Advertising on Gazeta

The agency noted that the main sources of air pollution in the capital's atmosphere include industrial enterprises, motor vehicles, and heating systems. During the autumn-winter season, greenhouses located near residential areas become an additional source of pollution.

Under what conditions are greenhouses proposed to be allowed to operate?

The National Committee reported that representatives of greenhouse farms have repeatedly stated their readiness to modernize existing facilities, switch to energy-efficient heating systems, and reduce emissions of pollutants to the established standards.

The proposals envisage the use of modern heating systems and the organization of real-time emissions monitoring.

In particular, it is proposed to convert greenhouse farms that have heating systems and a positive conclusion from the state environmental expertise to the use of natural and liquefied gas, electricity, geothermal and solar energy, as well as secondary heat produced by thermal power plants.

If it is not possible to use these energy sources, entrepreneurs propose allowing greenhouses to be heated with coal.

In that case, the farms would have to use modern certified boilers that meet environmental standards and are equipped with mandatory emission cleaning and filtration systems.

It is also proposed to install video surveillance systems that transmit data and video streams to the National Center for Environmental Monitoring.

Tests of Chinese filters showed they do not meet the standards

The entrepreneurs' proposals were reviewed by a working group consisting of representatives of the Ecology Committee, the Ministries of Agriculture and Energy, and other government bodies.

The greenhouse farms presented a pilot version of a complex heating system consisting of boiler equipment and filters made on the basis of Chinese technologies.

Specialists of the National Center for Environmental Monitoring carried out several rounds of emission measurements using an approved methodology. The tests were conducted with the participation of media representatives and members of the Public Council under the committee.

Measurements conducted on September 30 and October 8 showed that the presented filtration system does not meet the emission standards that are safe for public health.

Under the agreement, representatives of the greenhouse farms must improve the pilot filter. After that, the working group will conduct repeated measurements.

The committee also reported that a draft document establishing safe emission standards for the filters of greenhouse farms' boiler equipment is being prepared.

Subsidies and tax benefits

A package of subsidies and tax benefits is envisaged for greenhouse farms intending to switch to environmentally clean heating technologies and become "green greenhouses."

At the same time, the ban on the operation of greenhouse farms in the capital's region not equipped with environmentally safe heating systems remains in place.

At the Ecology Committee, this was explained by the harm that pollutants cause to public health.

We recall that in November 2025, against the backdrop of deteriorating air quality in Tashkent, a decision was made to urgently switch all greenhouses in the capital and surrounding areas to gas heating.

In June 2026, a special commission began dismantling greenhouses in the Qibray, Tashkent, Zangiota and Yukorichirchiq districts of the Tashkent region and disconnecting them from artificial heating systems. Entrepreneurs were offered to relocate their farms to the "Surkhon-Agro" free economic zone in the Sherabad district of the Surkhandarya region.

At the same time, Tashkent city mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, in an interview with Gazeta, reported that the possibility is being considered for greenhouse farms wishing to continue operating in the capital's region to install filters and use permitted types of fuel with emissions cleaned. According to him, financial support instruments are envisaged for this.

In addition, starting October 1, 2026, a restriction on establishing new greenhouses in Tashkent and adjacent areas was envisaged.