According to most estimates, world fossil reserves make up more than 1 trillion barrels of oil, around 168 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, and 1 trillion tons of coal. In addition, there are more than 3 million metric tons of uranium available for nuclear power. However, these resources are unevenly distributed across the world. For example, the developing world has a much greater share of natural gas reserves at 77 per cent, oil reserves at 75 per cent and coal reserves at 58 per cent.

By contrast, developed countries have only 24 per cent of the world's natural gas, 25 per cent of the oil and 42 per cent of the coal. This Policy Brief describes the situation regarding energy resources both in Uzbekistan and worldwide, and suggests new opportunities for sustainable energy reforms.