Masdar, a UAE-based renewable energy developer, has achieved a milestone in Uzbekistan with the connection of the first units of its Samarkand and Jizzakh solar power plants to the local grid, Renewables Now reported. The combined capacity of these plants stands at an impressive 511 MW, marking a substantial leap forward in Uzbekistan's renewable energy ambitions.
The announcement of this accomplishment came on March 13 through China’s Trina Solar Co, the contractor responsible for providing its Vanguard 1P trackers for the project. Samarkand and Jizzakh solar power plants, developed and built by Masdar and contracted by a subsidiary of Dongfang Electric Corporation, are poised to contribute significantly to Uzbekistan's energy landscape.
Once fully commissioned, these solar sites are projected to generate approximately 1.12 TWh of clean power annually, a capacity sufficient to power around 240,000 homes, thus significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating carbon emissions.
Trina Solar's involvement in this project underscores its growing presence in Uzbekistan's renewable energy sector, following its participation in the Navoi solar power plant project in 2021.
Masdar, known as one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies and a leader in green hydrogen initiatives, has been instrumental in propelling the UAE to the forefront of the global energy transition. With projects spanning more than 40 countries across six continents and investments exceeding $30bn, Masdar continues to play a pivotal role in advancing clean energy solutions worldwide.
In addition, on March 13, an agreement was inked between Uzbekhydroenergo, the hydroelectric power producer of Uzbekistan, and Masdar. This agreement aims to evaluate the feasibility of different domestic hydroelectric power storage projects. By addressing supply challenges, this collaboration is anticipated to bolster Uzbekistan's ambitious targets in renewable energy.
In May 2023, Masdar and Uzbekistan signed an agreement to develop 2 GW of renewable energy projects, along with 500 MWh of battery energy storage, underscoring the commitment to sustainable energy development in the region. The battery storage component has been increased to 1,150 MWh, to be deployed across various solar projects including Nur Navoi, Sherabad, Samarkand, and Jizzakh, as well as at Zarafshan.
Masdar's engagement in Uzbekistan dates back to 2019, with the successful development of the nation’s first independently financed solar project, the 100 MW Nur Navoi Solar Project, operational since 2021. Subsequent projects, such as the Bukhara Solar PV project and the Guzar Solar PV project, further solidify Masdar's commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan.
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