Saudi Arabia and UAE Become Key Partners in Uzbekistan’s Renewable Energy Projects

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have become key investor-partners in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector, supporting the country’s reforms and helping attract significant foreign investment, Uzbekistan’s Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov said during a ministerial plenary session at Baku Energy Week, Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the session titled 'International Cooperation for a Resilient and Diversified Energy Future,' Mirzamahmudov highlighted the growing role of international cooperation in advancing Uzbekistan’s energy transition.

The minister noted that Turkey was the first country to support Uzbekistan’s renewable energy development through public-private partnership (PPP) projects. He said the successful implementation of these initiatives helped pave the way for broader international participation in the sector.

“Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have become key investor-partners in renewable energy projects, supported our reforms, and attracted investments,” Mirzamahmudov said.

He also pointed to the evolving role of Chinese companies in Uzbekistan’s energy market. According to the minister, Chinese firms previously participated mainly as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, but are now increasingly investing directly in projects across the country.

In addition to renewable energy cooperation, Mirzamahmudov revealed that Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, together with bp, has begun geological exploration work in Uzbekistan, marking a new stage of energy cooperation between the countries.

The remarks were made as government officials and industry leaders gathered in Baku to discuss international energy partnerships, energy security, and the diversification of future energy systems.