THE GLOBAL EXPORT BLUEPRINT: WILL UZBEKISTAN SUPPLY EUROPE WITH GREEN HYDROGEN?

This article provides a comprehensive scientific assessment of Uzbekistan’s potential to emerge as a strategic exporter of green hydrogen to the European Union within the framework of the global energy transition and decarbonization agenda. The study examines the European Union’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and the growing role of Central Asian countries as prospective suppliers of renewable-based energy carriers. Uzbekistan possesses substantial renewable energy potential, particularly solar irradiation exceeding 300 kWh/m² annually, which is nearly twice the average level observed across many European countries. The research applies an integrated methodological approach combining comparative analysis, institutional evaluation, and techno-economic assessment. Particular attention is devoted to hydrogen production capacity, electrolysis technologies, renewable electricity generation, export infrastructure, investment mechanisms, and public-private partnership models. The study also evaluates potential export corridors to Europe, including pipeline modernization and hydrogen transportation logistics. A comparative benchmarking analysis of the hydrogen development strategies adopted by Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan is conducted to identify Uzbekistan’s competitive advantages and structural limitations in the emerging hydrogen economy. The findings demonstrate that Uzbekistan has significant opportunities to become an important participant in the global green hydrogen market; however, achieving this objective requires substantial regulatory reforms, infrastructure modernization, technological innovation, international cooperation, and long-term investment support. The article concludes with evidence-based strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s competitiveness in the international green hydrogen value chain and enhancing its integration into future European clean energy markets.