ACWA Power to Develop Three Solar PV and BESS Projects with NEGU in Uzbekistan

ACWA Power has signed yesterday three Power Purchase Agreements and Investment Agreements with Uzbekistan’s Joint-Stock Company (JSC) National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU) and Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

The agreements include the development of three solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Tashkent and Samarkand and three Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand, with a total capacity of 1.4 GW of additional renewable energy and 1.5 GWh of additional battery storage capacity.

The Tashkent projects will include a 400 MW PV plant and 500 MWh BESS, while two 500 MW PV projects each and a 500 MWh BESS will be developed in Samarkand. Another 500 MWh BESS will be located in Bukhara, and the project will include overhead transmission lines to help dispatch power to the grid.

The projects will play an instrumental role in achieving Uzbekistan’s ambitious targets to transition to a low-carbon economy as well as diversify its energy sources.

The Republic’s targets to reform the energy sector entail generating 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, equating to 15,000 MW divided into 10,000 MW of solar power and 5,000 MW of wind power. Achieving this target will help offset 16 million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

By incorporating BESS into the grid, Uzbekistan will soon have the largest battery energy storage facilities in the region which will play a crucial role in stabilising the grid while promoting renewable energy in the Republic. The BESS will help to mitigate the effects of intermittency that are inherent in renewable energy sources.

They will store excess electricity generated during times of high production and make it available during periods of low production. This will ensure a constant and reliable supply of electricity to the grid, ultimately helping to meet the growing demand for energy in Uzbekistan.

"We express our profound gratitude to the wise leadership of Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan for their unwavering support and guidance in driving Uzbekistan's ambitious renewable energy goals. ACWA Power's expertise in green hydrogen, green ammonia, and clean energy has greatly strengthened our collaboration with the Government of Uzbekistan. Our latest venture into Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is a significant step forward in our partnership and a clear demonstration of our commitment to transform the energy landscape in the Republic.", said Mohammad Abunayyan, ACWA Power Chairman