Masdar has secured a deal to develop over 2 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind projects and 500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage at multiple sites across Uzbekistan.
This follows a joint development agreement (JDA) signed with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy (MoE) and the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade (MIIT).
The new deal is expected to deepen relations between UAE’s clean energy powerhouse and the Central Asian nation, which aims to achieve 25% of its energy mix from renewables by 2030.
Abundant in wind and sunshine, Uzbekistan remains a key strategic destination for Masdar as it plans to achieve 7 GW of solar and 5 GW of wind capacity by the end of the decade.
“Our agreement to develop 2 GW of solar and expand into 500 MWh of battery storage, marks an exciting new chapter in Masdar and Uzbekistan’s shared journey,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar.
“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.
Masdar’s growing 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 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Masdar, currently active in more than 40 countries, has committed to achieving at least 100 GW total renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Established in 2006, it has so far invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW.