Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A major milestone in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector was reached with the successful launch of a 500 MW wind power plant in the remote desert area of Oyokogitma, located 180 kilometers from the center of Gijduvan District in the Bukhara Region. The project was implemented with the support of ACWA Power Bash Wind.

The total investment in the project amounted to US$650 million. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate up to 1.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This will not only meet the growing energy needs of the region’s population but also significantly enhance its environmental sustainability by reducing natural gas consumption—an estimated 500 million cubic meters per year will be saved.

Gijduvan, known as a hub of entrepreneurship and trade, has seen rapid industrial development in recent years. The combined electricity demand from local businesses, social institutions, and households now reaches 300 megawatts. In this context, the 500 MW capacity of the new wind farm is a major contribution to the region’s energy supply, with renewable sources playing a critical role.

“This large-scale project was not without challenges,” said Honored Worker R. Avezov. “Construction and installation were carried out over an area of more than 280 hectares in desert conditions. Two concrete production lines were established, 79 state-of-the-art wind turbines were installed, and over 600 specialists worked under extreme conditions—all of which underscores the complexity and scale of the endeavor.”

Notably, the government’s efforts to promote green energy and incentivize the use of alternative sources have been widely recognized. A significant contribution to the project came from Saudi investors through ACWA Power, whose involvement was instrumental in its successful implementation.

The inauguration ceremony of the wind power plant brought together investors, engineers, district officials, and distinguished workers. In their remarks, participants celebrated the project as a landmark achievement in the energy history of the Bukhara Region, noting its potential to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for local communities.