Masdar to develop 2GW clean energy projects in Uzbekistan
ABU DHABI, May 20, 2023
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade (MIIT) to develop over 2GW of solar and wind projects and 500 MWh of battery energy storage at multiple sites across the Central Asian country.
One of the world’s leading clean energy companies, Masdar said the development represents deepening relations between UAE’s clean energy powerhouse and Uzbekistan, which aims to achieve 25% of its energy mix from renewables by 2030.
The Central Asian nation, abundant in wind and sunshine, is a key strategic destination for Masdar. Uzbekistan plans to achieve 7 GW of solar and 5 GW of wind capacity by the end of the decade.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman said: "The UAE is fully committed to supporting countries to decarbonize. Uzbekistan is a key strategic partner, and we continue to work together to deliver renewable energy projects that power homes and businesses, while crucially cutting emissions."
"The world needs to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 to reach the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. As we prepare to host COP28 in the UAE, we believe ambitious partnerships with countries like Uzbekistan are vital in helping to meet this target," he stated.
The deal was jointly signed by Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, First Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan and Sarvar Khamidov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade along with Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi.
Last month, Masdar reached financial close on three solar projects in Jizzakh, Samarkand and Sherabad, which have a combined capacity of around 900 megawatts - making it the largest solar development programme in Central Asia.
Once fully operational, the projects will generate enough electricity to power over one million homes, while displacing around one million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, it stated.
Al Ramahi said: "We are making history together in Uzbekistan. Our agreement to develop 2GW of solar and expand into 500MWh of battery storage, marks an exciting new chapter in Masdar and Uzbekistan’s shared journey. Uzbekistan is a key partner and Masdar is proud to support its ambitious renewable energy goals."
Masdar has been active in Uzbekistan since 2019, with the 100 MW Nur Navoi Solar Project, which is the nation’s first successfully financed independent power producer solar project. The plant has been operational since 2021.
Its growing portfolio in Uzbekistan includes the largest wind farm in Central Asia, the 500MW capacity Zarafshan plant.-TradeArabia News Service
