Technical Assistance for Uzbekistan Energy Efficiency Framework Loan The Uzbekistan Energy Efficiency Loan would solely support investments in EE and environmental protection implemented by industrial enterprises of any size across Uzbekistan.The financing operation consists of a EUR 100m EIB sovereign loan channelled to four Participating Banks: Hamkorbank JSCB, Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank JSCB, Microcredit Bank JSCB and Qishloq Qurilish Bank JSCB. Such Bank Loan would complement the WB Loan.The financing operation requires technical assistance (TA) for capacity building of the Participating Banks and implementing industrial enterprises to ensure smooth project implementation and loan utilisation, as well as to raise awareness among the targeted beneficiaries of the potential of EE and enhance sustainability of the EE measures targeted by the financing operation. The Project will support the countrys sector reforms, improve EE by an estimated 3.000 GW/year and reduce GHG emissions by 900 kTCO2. By improving the EE in energy intensive industries, the Project contributes toward SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean energy) and SDG 13 (Climate action). By saving demand for electricity and heat, Sub-Projects reduce carbon externalities, as well as, in most cases, air pollution and other negative externalities.The Project will also support the development of sustainable EE lending and practices by increasing the number of Participating Banks with EE lending operations and the EE awareness in the country.