Abu Dhabi, UAE — Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy (MoE) and the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade (MIIT) to develop over 2 gigawatts of solar and wind projects and 500 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage at multiple sites across the Central Asian country.
Uzbekistan, which aims to achieve 25 percent of its energy mix from renewables by 2030 and is abundant in wind and sunshine, is a key strategic destination for Masdar. Uzbekistan plans to achieve 7GW of solar and 5GW of wind capacity by the end of the decade.
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.
Masdar’s portfolio in Uzbekistan includes the largest wind farm in Central Asia, the 500 MW capacity Zarafshan plant. 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 program in Central Asia. Once fully operational, the projects will generate enough electricity to power over one million homes, while displacing around one million tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Established in 2006, Masdar is active in more than 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW. Masdar is committed to achieving at least 100 GW total renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate and Chairman of Masdar, 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.”