Masdar signs 2GW renewable energy plus storage deal in Uzbekistan

UAE company will deliver wind and solar across country

Abu Dhabi clean energy company Masdar has signed a deal with the Uzbekistan government to develop more than 2GW of solar and wind projects and 500MW-hours of battery energy storage across the country.

Uzbekistan wants to achieve 25% of its energy mix from renewable energy by 2030, and with abundant wind and sunshine, the Central Asian country is a key strategic destination for companies like Masdar.

Masdar has been active in Uzbekistan since 2019 when it launched the 100MW Nur Navoi solar plant, which is the nation’s first successfully financed independent power producer solar project. The plant has been operational since 2021.

Masdar’s portfolio in Uzbekistan also includes the largest windfarm in central Asia, the 500MW capacity Zarafshan plant. 

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Last month, Masdar reached financial close on three solar projects in Jizzakh, Samarkand and Sherabad, which have a combined capacity of around 900MW, making it what is believed to be the largest solar development program in Central Asia.

Masdar chairman Dr Sultan Al Jaber, who is also President-Designate of COP28 which will be held later this year in the UAE, said: “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.”

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