- Uzbekistan launches major integrated solar and battery project with Masdar.
- New renewable projects will power homes and cut carbon emissions.
- Agreements boost large battery storage and future wind energy expansion.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched the Nur Bukhara initiative, the nation’s initial large-scale integrated solar and battery project, created by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar in Tashkent. Mirziyoyev officially inaugurated the Masdar project in Guzar, which includes a 300-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) and a 75-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS).
Distinguished guests observed the signing of agreements for investment, transmission connection, and battery storage systems concerning the Zarafshan BESS project, the country’s largest independent battery initiative, along with a development roadmap for a 1,000 megawatt wind energy project in the Navoiy area.
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei highlighted that the partnership between the UAE and Uzbekistan is enhancing energy security and facilitating the shift to clean, dependable energy sources. He mentioned that Masdar's initiatives in Central Asia have now surpassed 2,000 megawatts.
Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, the Uzbek energy minister, emphasized that the ties between Uzbekistan and the UAE have advanced to a strategic partnership, pointing out the effective launch of several solar and wind energy facilities in collaboration with Masdar.
Also Read: Vietnam Clears Larger List of Strategic Energy Projects for Demand
The 250 megawatt Nur Bukhara solar photovoltaic power facility and the 63 megawatt/126 MWh battery energy storage system project can generate sufficient electricity to supply more than 55,000 residences, while preventing 367,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The Guzar project, set to start operations in 2027, will have the capacity to supply power to 60,000 households. The Zarafshan BESS project, with a capacity of 300 megawatts and 600 megawatt-hours, is set to commence operations in 2028.
These projects extend Masdar’s increasing presence in Uzbekistan, encompassing approximately 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity. Uzbekistan aims to achieve a minimum of 25 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity and produce 54% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The CIS area represents a critical market for Masdar, as it seeks to achieve a global portfolio capacity of 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. In addition to its operations in Uzbekistan, the company is actively engaged in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Turkmenistan.