The Silk Road Energy Joint Technology Innovation R&D Center in Uzbekistan, initiated by China Datang, held the opening ceremony of the second Energy Elite Program, providing training for Uzbek management and technical personnel in the country's energy sector on April 22 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, and Lyu Jun, Chairman of China Datang, attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the program via videolink.

The ceremony was also attended by Li Jianhua, Vice President of Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC), along with other senior executives and representatives from China Datang’s International Business Department, China Datang Overseas Investment Co., Ltd., and DEC.

In the speech delivered at the opening ceremony, Mirzamahmudov expressed gratitude to China Datang for its contributions to Uzbekistan’s energy reform. He noted that the first training session held in December 2024 has provided a significant boost to the deepening of the China-Uzbekistan energy partnership, nurturing a group of skilled professionals.

The 2nd session exemplifies China Datang's proactive response to the call for enhanced scientific and technological collaboration between the two nations' leaders, with far-reaching implications for elevating the industry's modern management practices and facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge Chinese power technology and equipment in Uzbekistan, Mirzamahmudov said.

He commended China Datang and DEC for their efficient and practical work ethic, as well as their exceptional training organization capabilities, and expressed the hope to achieve win-win results and high-quality and sustainable development through enhanced cooperation in the future.

Lyu highlighted that President Xi Jinping and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have set out a long-term vision for the China-Uzbekistan green energy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

China Datang will use the R&D Center as a hub to address Uzbekistan's energy and power transformation needs, aiming to establish a new energy system and take on the important task of advancing bilateral scientific and technological innovation cooperation and enhancing power talent development, according to Lyu.

Lyu said that the center should inject new driving forces into China-Uzbekistan energy cooperation through continuous innovation. It should focus on areas such as new energy generation technology, equipment manufacturing, and smart grids, actively promoting exchanges, sharing experiences, and fostering creative ideas.

The center should outline a fresh vision for China-Uzbekistan energy cooperation centered on green development, increasing investment in Uzbekistan, and striving to create exemplary projects that showcase the benefits of China-Uzbekistan collaboration in the field of new energy to help Uzbekistan emerge as a leading country in green and low-carbon transformation in Central Asia, according to Lyu.

The center should nurture new talent for China-Uzbekistan energy cooperation by providing expert training, conducting field research, and facilitating discussions to help participants enhance their strategic thinking, systematic planning, scientific decision-making, and innovative capabilities. By applying their knowledge and insights, they can make significant contributions to the development of Uzbekistan's energy sector, he added.

Li pointed out that the collaboration between DEC and China Datang in various sectors in Uzbekistan has yielded positive results. This training program is not just about transferring technical knowledge, but also serves as a tangible step in the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Uzbekistan. It is a significant move towards a greener future for both countries.

He expressed the hope that the talents from Uzbekistan attending this training will take back the "Chinese solutions and experiences," and, taking into account Uzbekistan's specific circumstances, drive forward the country's energy sector towards a greener and more sustainable future.

The training program took place in Chengdu from April 21 to 30, 2025. Participants included technical professionals from various Uzbek institutions such as the Ministry of Energy, the energy regulatory agency, national and local power grid companies, thermal power companies, and power research institutes.

The program combined classroom lectures, hands-on field training, and interactive discussions. It provided detailed insights into the latest trends in new energy technology, its applications, and the development of the industry chain.

Additionally, it showcased China's achievements in the new energy sector and the unique features of its smart power energy equipment manufacturing base, with the aim of enhancing the participants' professional skills, broadening their global perspectives, and improving their overall work capabilities.