Abu Dhabi-based future energy company Masdar has announced the inauguration of the 500MW Zarafshan wind farm in Uzbekistan, the largest such facility in Central Asia, by the country’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The project underlines Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding its clean energy capacity and highlights cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in promoting renewable energy.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said: “Uzbekistan has built on its legacy as a vital artery on the ancient Silk Road – the historic trade route uniting east and west – and has become a major hub for renewable energy sources in the region, expanding rapidly and moves on a large scale. to develop breakthrough clean energy projects and attract investments.
“The inauguration of Zarafshan, one of the largest operational wind farms in Central Asia, highlights the magnitude of the country’s vision and Masdar’s commitment to helping Uzbekistan achieve its clean energy goals with sustainable energy projects that are powering homes and businesses – and sustainable growth – while successfully reducing emissions.”
Uzbekistan aims to reach 20 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030, in line with its broader strategy to improve its renewable energy infrastructure and reduce its environmental footprint.
Masdar plays a crucial role in realizing important projects, including the largest solar and wind farms in the region and the first battery storage project.
The company has pledged to invest $2 billion in clean energy projects in Uzbekistan, aiming for a total capacity of more than 2 GW.
UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman Sultan Al Jaber said: “The enduring relationship between the UAE and Uzbekistan is critical to a shared commitment to low-carbon socio-economic progress and the growth of clean energy capacity to stimulate.
“Uzbekistan has become a leading investment destination and a clean energy hub for the region as we work to achieve our shared goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, as set out in the historic UAE Consensus.”
Masdar is early developing a pipeline of 4GW of renewable projects, demonstrating its commitment to the region’s clean energy future.
During the COP29, held in Azerbaijan in November 2024, Masdar and the Uzbek Ministry of Energy signed an agreement for the development of a 1 GW wind farm in the Mingbulak region.
The new project will create 1,000 jobs during construction and 60 jobs during operation, providing clean energy to 300,000 homes.
The agreement is the first phase of a broader strategy to establish three wind farms in Uzbekistan.
