By 2030, Karakalpakstan plans to build 10 large wind power plants with a total capacity of 10.3 gigawatts, involving $11bn in direct investments, which will produce 35bn kilowatt-hours of green energy annually, the presidential press service reported.
In Karakalpakstan, a wave of industrial and infrastructural development has begun, marked by the construction of wind power plants, new industrial enterprises, and the inauguration of modern shopping malls. This transformative effort is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the region's economy.
During a ceremony celebrating these developments, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the ongoing economic progress in Karakalpakstan. Over the past five years, more than 50 incentives and preferences have been introduced in the region, targeting industry, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. Unique among these is the exclusive right granted to Karakalpakstan to directly allocate land for investment projects. These efforts are supported by infrastructure projects worth over UZS 50bn ($3.97mn).
The economic impact of these measures is substantial. Entrepreneurs in Karakalpakstan now have access to more than UZS 2 trillion ($158.6mn), thanks to these benefits. A further UZS 44.5 trillion ($3.5bn) has been allocated to enhance the region's business infrastructure, leading to the emergence of over 25,000 new business entities in recent years. In 2023 alone, more than 1,400 projects worth $345mn were completed, creating over 10,000 new jobs. In the first half of this year, the region attracted $730mn in foreign investment.
The number of enterprises with foreign capital in Karakalpakstan has also seen growth. In 2017, there were only 73 foreign and joint ventures; today, that number has grown to 175. Currently, over 120 major new projects, valued at approximately $9.5bn, are underway. These projects, set to be launched in stages from 2025 to 2028, are expected to create more than 20,000 new jobs, boost production capacity by UZS 12 trillion ($951.9mn), and generate additional budget revenues of UZS 500bn ($39.7mn).
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of the ongoing construction and the newly operational complexes, acknowledging the challenges posed by the rapid pace of economic growth, particularly in the energy sector.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has invested $2bn in the commissioning of 10 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 2.6 gigawatts. By the end of the year, an additional 1.5 gigawatts of capacity will be added to the grid, increasing the share of green energy to 15%. Furthermore, 32 green projects, with a total value of $19bn and a combined capacity of 18.6 gigawatts, are currently in progress.
Karakalpakstan plays a pivotal role in this green energy revolution. Research indicates that the region has the potential to generate 680 gigawatts of solar and 120 gigawatts of wind energy. To ensure stable electricity transmission, three energy storage systems with a total capacity of 400 megawatts will be constructed in the Kungrad, Beruniy, and Karauzyak districts.
Among the projects commencing today is a $1.2bn wind farm in Kungrad, developed by China's Sany Renewable, with a capacity of 1 gigawatt. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power will collaborate on a $250mn, 200-megawatt wind farm with a 100-megawatt storage system in the Beruni and Karauzak districts. These facilities will generate 4.2bn kilowatt-hours of green energy annually, enough to power 1.75mn households. The projects will also save 1.3bn cubic meters of natural gas and reduce atmospheric emissions by nearly 2mn tons.
Simultaneously, the construction of enterprises producing wind turbine parts, racks, and blades is beginning in Kungrad. This will lead to the localized production of wind turbine components with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts and 120 racks per year, replacing imports worth $100mn annually. In Nukus, investments of $24mn will establish the production of 20mn heating radiators annually.
Urban and district improvement projects are also a priority, with efforts to create better living conditions for residents. Twelve projects, totaling $62mn, are being launched in industry, agriculture, tourism, and services. Two large shopping malls, in Beruniysky district and Nukus, were inaugurated at the ceremony.
President Mirziyoyev officially launched the construction and operation of these new facilities, congratulating all involved on the achievements that hold significant promise for the region's economy.
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