Masdar (or Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) has entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan to develop a 500 MW wind farm project.

As per the agreement, Masdar will develop and operate the wind farm project, which will be located in the Zarafshon district of Navoi region. The commercial operation of the project is expected to be achieved in 2024.

Speaking on the development, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Sardor Umurzakov, said, “Masdar is our long-trusted partner in expanding our renewable energy capacities and bringing well known international expertise to the country. This energy project with Masdar clearly illustrates the strong commitment by the Government of Uzbekistan to increase private sector participation in the country and support our ambitious clean energy goals.”

In November last year, Masdar had signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) and government support agreement (GSA) with the Government of Uzbekistan to develop the country’s first public-private partnership (PPP) solar power project. Masdar was declared the successful bidder in the auction with a quoted tariff of $0.26 (₹19.57)/kWh to develop the 100 MW solar power project in the Navoi region.

Commenting on the partnership, Masdar’s Jameel Al Ramahi said, “Masdar is proud to be collaborating with the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on our second utility-scale clean energy project in the country. The 500 MW wind farm supports Uzbekistan’s long-term renewable energy ambitions and its strong commitment to not only modernize its power sector but also invest in energy security.”

The country is aiming to develop 5 GW of renewable energy by 2030. It has a huge potential for power from renewable sources, but it is still mainly dependent on oil and natural gas for electricity generation. But things are changing now, and the government is doing its bit to involve private players in the renewable sector.

Recently, the Government of Uzbekistan announced a tender for 100 MW of wind power projects and associated infrastructure in the Qorao’zak district of the Karakalpakstan region of the country. The project will be developed with technical assistance from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Government of Japan.

Earlier, Masdar announced that it had signed an agreement with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to design, finance, build and operate a 200 MW utility-scale solar project in the country. The UAE-based renewable energy company is expected to develop and operate the project 75 km southwest of the capital, Baku.