Solarization of UNHCR emergency stockpiles in Uzbekistan – UNHCR Central Asia

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TERMEZ, UZBEKISTAN – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and LONGi Green Energy Technology Co Ltd. today launched the first phase of a joint climate action and solar energy project that aims to reduce carbon emissions from UNHCR’s emergency and preparedness stockpiles around the world.

The UNHCR Regional Humanitarian Logistics Center, located at the Termez Cargo Center in the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan, is the first facility equipped with LONGi equipment using renewable energy, including a 700 kW photovoltaic power plant.

Since its inception, the Center has served 721 trucks and four airlifters, transporting more than 7,247 tons of relief items that people need most in the first days after being forced to flee, including temporary housing, sleeping mats, tarpaulins and heavy spoons, blankets, kitchen sets with stainless steel and portable LED solar lamps. Providing vulnerable refugees and internally displaced persons with basic assistance supports their dignity, health, privacy and self-reliance, reducing protection risks.

Representatives of the government of Uzbekistan, local authorities, LONGi and the United Nations took part in the launch ceremony of the solarization project, which will contribute to minimizing the footprint of humanitarian aid on the environment.

“LONGi is honored to partner with UNHCR and to be here today to witness the launch of this important project,” said Zoe Gao, LONGi MEA&CA Regional Marketing Manager. “This partnership underscores LONGi’s commitment to supporting sustainability and energy equity, especially for people who have been forced to flee their homes.”

The Surkhandarya region, located on the border with Afghanistan, is increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change. Frequent sandstorms and droughts significantly affect the socio-economic development of the region and the well-being of its inhabitants. It is also the region with the largest number of forcibly displaced Afghans in Uzbekistan.

“We are proud to embark on this transformational journey with LONGi towards a future where sustainable energy is not just an ideal but a reality for all,” said Dumitru Lipcanu, UNHCR Representative for Central Asia, ai “By applying this safe and green energy , we hope to reduce our environmental impact and work together for a sustainable, green future, including for forcibly displaced people and the communities that generously welcome them.”

LONGi and UNHCR signed a global partnership agreement in December 2023 covering climate action, energy capital and green transition projects, initially implemented in Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

In a complementary phase of the project in Uzbekistan, 700 Afghan nationals and vulnerable host community members will plant trees and grazing plants to create windbreaks in selected areas of the Surkhandarya region. In line with the Government of Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon” project – launched in 2021 and aiming to plant 200 million trees per year – this initiative aims to mitigate climate change and increase income generation and employment opportunities, promoting self-reliance, peace and stability.

About UNHCR and the Regional Humanitarian Logistics Center

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international efforts to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. The organization provides lifesaving assistance including shelter, food and water, helps protect basic human rights and develops solutions that give people a safe place to call home, where they can build a better future. UNHCR is also working to provide stateless people with citizenship.

The UNHCR Regional Humanitarian Logistics Center, established in October 2021 with the support of the Government of Uzbekistan, enables UNHCR to rapidly replenish supplies and respond more efficiently to humanitarian assistance, while reducing the costs and risks associated with transporting large supplies in any country affected by the Afghan crisis. The hub is able to process on-site all necessary documentation for shipments and deliveries to Afghanistan, Pakistan, other Central Asian countries and beyond – including Ukraine – on the same day.

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi strives to be the world’s leading solar technology company by focusing on customer-centric value creation to ensure a complete energy transition.

With its mission of “making the most of solar energy to build a green world”, LONGi has dedicated itself to technological innovation and established five business sectors, including mono-silicon wafer cells and modules, commercial and industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment . The company has enhanced its green energy capabilities and recently introduced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero-carbon development.

For more information please contact:

Mariko Hall, External Relations Specialist, UNHCR Representation in Central Asia: (email protected)

Jemma Galvin, Private Sector Communications Officer, UNHCR Asia-Pacific: (email protected)