Abu Dhabi [UAE], May 19 (ANI/WAM): Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy (MoE) and the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade (MIIT) to develop over 2 gigawatts of solar and wind projects and 500 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage at multiple sites across the Central Asian country.
The development represents deepening relations between the UAE's clean energy powerhouse and Uzbekistan, which aims to achieve 25 per cent of its energy mix from renewables by 2030.
The Central Asian nation, abundant in wind and sunshine, is a key strategic destination for Masdar. Uzbekistan plans to achieve 7 GW of solar and 5 GW of wind capacity by the end of the decade.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate and Chairman of Masdar, said, "The UAE is fully committed to supporting countries to decarbonise. Uzbekistan is a key strategic partner, and we continue to work together to deliver renewable energy projects that power homes and businesses, while crucially cutting emissions.
"The world needs to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 to reach the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. As we prepare to host COP28 in the UAE, we believe ambitious partnerships with countries like Uzbekistan are vital in helping to meet this target."
The agreement was jointly signed in Uzbekistan by Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, First Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Sarvar Khamidov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan; and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.
Commenting on the agreement, Al Ramahi said, "We are making history together in Uzbekistan. Our agreement to develop 2 GW of solar and expand into 500 MWh of battery storage, marks an exciting new chapter in Masdar and Uzbekistan's shared journey. Uzbekistan is a key partner, and Masdar is proud to support its ambitious renewable energy goals."
Masdar has been active in Uzbekistan since 2019, with the 100 MW Nur Navoi Solar Project, which is the nation's first successfully financed independent power producer solar project. The plant has been operational since 2021.
Masdar's growing portfolio in Uzbekistan includes the largest wind farm in Central Asia, the 500 MW capacity Zarafshan plant. Last month, Masdar reached financial close on three solar projects in Jizzakh, Samarkand and Sherabad, which have a combined capacity of around 900 megawatts - making it the largest solar development programme in Central Asia. Once fully operational, the projects will generate enough electricity to power over one million homes, while displacing around one million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Established in 2006, Masdar is the UAE's clean energy powerhouse. It is active in more than 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW. Masdar is committed to achieving at least 100 GW total renewable energy capacity by 2030. (ANI/WAM)
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