Abstract. Central Asia has abundant reserves of coal, natural gas, and hydropower, but these resources are very unevenly distributed across countries. The infrastructure for the production and transmission of electricity was mostly built during the Soviet era at least 30 years ago, and much of it needs repairs. About three-quarters of electricity in Central Asia, as well as in Uzbekistan, is generated by fossil fuel power plants. Until inefficient facilities are upgraded or replaced with cleaner ones, they are a source of air pollution that is harmful to human health. Reducing emissions from the energy sector is a challenge for Uzbekistan, as it also prioritizes economic development, which can run counter to air quality goals. In many countries, the twin challenges of limiting greenhouse gas emissions and controlling emissions of other pollutants that have traditionally been regulated to protect public health. While some national strategies are able to reduce both types of emissions, other strategies achieve only one outcome