https://arab.news/rfbqu
- Zarafshan wind farm aligns with Uzbekistan’s target to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030
- It is being developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., known as Masdar
RIYADH: Uzbekistan has officially inaugurated Central Asia’s largest wind farm, the 500-megawatt Zarafshan facility, as part of its efforts to expand clean energy capacity.
Developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., known as Masdar, the wind farm was launched by Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in a ceremony attended by Sultan Al-Jaber, the UAE minister of industry and advanced technology.
The Zarafshan wind farm aligns with Uzbekistan’s target to generate 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It is also a key step in the country’s ambitious plan to achieve 20 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by the decade’s end.
“The UAE and Uzbekistan’s enduring relationship is critical to a shared commitment to drive low-carbon socioeconomic progress and clean energy capacity growth,” said Al-Jaber, who is also the chairman of Masdar.
He added: “Uzbekistan has become a leading investment destination and a clean energy hub for the region as we work to deliver our shared goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, as outlined in the historic UAE Consensus.”
Masdar has pledged $2 billion to Uzbekistan’s clean energy initiatives, which include projects with a combined capacity of over 2 GW. The company also has a pipeline of 4 GW of renewable projects in early development stages, according to a statement.
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al-Mazrouei hailed the wind farm as a testament to Uzbekistan’s climate leadership and energy transition efforts.
“The UAE and Uzbekistan share a common vision of sustainable development and renewable energy and Zarafshan is (a) testament to the strength of our partnership in advancing clean, emissions-free energy in Uzbekistan,” Al-Mazrouei also said.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al-Ramahi highlighted the project’s significance, describing it as a reflection of Uzbekistan’s bold renewable energy ambitions.
“Uzbekistan has built upon its legacy as a vital artery on the ancient Silk Road – the historic trade route uniting east and west – becoming a key hub for renewables in the region, moving at pace and at scale to develop landmark clean energy projects and attract investment,” added Al-Ramahi.
During the recent UN Climate Change Summit, COP29, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy and Masdar signed an agreement to develop another 1-GW wind farm in the Mingbulak region.
The Mingbulak wind farm is expected to create 1,000 jobs during construction and 60 operational roles. Once completed, it will provide clean energy to 300,000 homes in the region, the statement added.