Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Foreign investors have announced plans to expand Uzbekistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors, outlining both funds already invested and new projects. The announcements were made on 16 October during an open dialogue between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and representatives of the fuel and energy sector.
According to the president, Uzbekistan has attracted US$35 billion in foreign investment in the energy sector in recent years. Investors now come from more than ten countries.
Acwa: 1 GW of round-the-clock capacity
Muhammad Abunayyan, co-chair of the Uzbek-Saudi Business Council and chairman of Acwa, announced the signing of an agreement for a project in Karakalpakstan designed to provide 1 GW of capacity around the clock.
The project is estimated to cost approximately US$2 billion. The company expects to sign further agreements worth around US$3 billion next year.
Abunayyan also highlighted Acwa’s focus on introducing advanced technologies, developing local manufacturing and training young specialists.
Masdar: Another 2 GW of renewable energy
Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi recalled that the UAE-based company entered the Uzbek market in 2019. Since then, it has invested more than US$2 billion in the country and implemented renewable energy projects with a combined capacity exceeding 2 GW, including solar and wind power plants and energy storage systems.
Al Ramahi said Masdar intends to develop an additional 2 GW of renewable energy capacity in Uzbekistan. He stressed that stable government policies and regulation, as well as the reliability of signed agreements, are essential for long-term investment.
Mirziyoyev highlighted Masdar’s role in developing the country’s solar energy sector and said the company’s proposals would be taken into account when preparing a new industry roadmap.
China Energy International: Project portfolio exceeds US$6 billion
Xiao Xubin, president of China Energy International, said the company’s total project portfolio in Uzbekistan had exceeded US$6 billion over the past five years.
Among the completed projects, he cited a 1 GW wind power plant in the Bukhara region and a photovoltaic power plant with an energy storage system in Tashkent.
Local products accounted for around 40% of the equipment used in the construction of eight energy storage systems. Xiao also supported initiatives to improve tender procedures and expressed the company’s readiness to participate in grid digitalisation and the modernisation of energy infrastructure.
Cengiz Holding: Jizzakh power plant due by year-end
Mehmet Cengiz, chairman of Turkish company Cengiz Holding, said the company’s investments in Uzbekistan’s economy had exceeded US$900 million. Following projects in the Tashkent and Syrdarya regions, the company plans to commission a power plant in the Jizzakh region by the end of 2026.
Cengiz stressed that energy projects require not only the construction of generation facilities but also the timely development of gas infrastructure, transmission lines and distribution networks. He proposed identifying responsible contractors, connection conditions, and testing and commissioning procedures in advance.
The president expressed hope that Cengiz Holding would draw on its construction experience to submit proposals for the New Tashkent project.
Vision Invest: A green airport
Omar Al-Madani, president and chief executive officer of Vision Invest, said the company was involved in the construction of a new Tashkent airport and the reconstruction of the existing facility.
He noted that investors need project implementation conditions to remain stable during economic crises and global disruptions.
Mirziyoyev, in turn, said the new Tashkent International Airport would become the country’s first green airport.
