ADB backs 300 MW Bash-2 wind farm in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ACWA have signed a financing agreement worth US$116 million for the construction of the 300 MW “Bash-2” wind power plant in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region. The project is aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy and the development of low-carbon power generation.

The financing package includes multiple sources. ADB is providing US$50 million from its own resources, while a further US$41 million is being mobilized from commercial lenders, with the bank acting as lead arranger and bookrunner. An additional US$25 million is being provided through the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP 2), managed by ADB.

The transaction also involves the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Standard Chartered as parallel lenders. ADB is acting as coordinator for environmental and social safeguards.

The Bash-2 project is an extension of the earlier Bash wind power project, which was co-financed by ADB in 2023. The new plant will include 39 wind turbines with capacities of up to 8 MW each, a 35/500 kV substation, and a transmission line of approximately 1.5 kilometers to connect to the national grid.

According to ADB, the project will not only expand Uzbekistan’s clean energy capacity but also improve the resilience of the power system, reduce carbon emissions, and create jobs. During construction, at least 800 jobs are expected to be created, while around 25 permanent positions will be available during operations. The project also includes measures to increase women’s participation in the energy sector through training and awareness programs at wind power facilities.

ACWA said the project demonstrates the commercial viability of large-scale wind energy in the region and strengthens cooperation with Uzbekistan in the energy transition.

ADB stated that its total supported wind energy capacity in the country will exceed 2 GW, including existing initiatives such as Bash, Dzhankeldy, Nukus-2, as well as the Samarkand-1 and Samarkand-2 solar plants and energy storage systems.

The LEAP 2 fund, partially financing the project, is managed by ADB with participation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It focuses on supporting private infrastructure projects aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and expanding essential services in the region.

Established in 1966 and bringing together 69 member countries, ADB continues to expand investments in sustainable infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region, combining public and private financing to develop energy systems and reduce climate risks.