In 2021, Uzbekistan made a voluntary commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. This target reflects Uzbekistan’s dedication to greater climate action and environmental sustainability.
During his official visit to Uzbekistan last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the Riverside Solar Power Plant in the Tashkent region. He reviewed the progress made in Uzbekistan’s green energy sector and discussed future plans.
Uzbekistan's energy sector reform goals include generating 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Achieving this goal would offset 16mn tons of CO2 emissions annually.
The Riverside photovoltaic plant is a critical component of this commitment. As part of a broader initiative, the plant contributes to several renewable energy projects across Uzbekistan. Its ability to generate clean energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the integration of a 500 MWh battery energy storage system ensures the stability and efficiency of renewable energy supplies, making them a more viable alternative to traditional energy sources.
During his visit to the Riverside plant, the UN chief praised Uzbekistan's dedication to renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
ACWA Power, a leading Saudi Arabian developer, investor, and operator of power generation, water desalination, and green hydrogen plants worldwide, has signed three power purchase agreements and investment agreements with the Joint Stock Company (JSC) National Electric Grids of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan. These agreements cover the development of three solar photovoltaic projects in Tashkent and Samarkand and three battery energy storage systems in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand.
Incorporating battery energy storage systems into the power grid will soon give Uzbekistan the largest such systems in the region. These systems play a crucial role in stabilizing the power grid and supporting renewable energy development. They help mitigate the intermittency effects of renewable energy sources by storing excess electricity generated during high-production periods and making it available during low-production periods. This ensures a constant and reliable electricity supply to the grid, meeting the growing energy demand in Uzbekistan.
These projects have socio-economic benefits for Uzbekistan, providing electricity to over a million households in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. They also offset approximately 1.6mn tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
In addition, public-private partnerships are critical in transforming Uzbekistan’s energy sector. The Riverside PV plant exemplifies how PPPs facilitate large-scale renewable energy projects, driving the country toward a sustainable energy future.
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