Japanese Investors Show Growing Interest in Uzbekistan’s Wind Energy and Infrastructure

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Zhurabek Mirzamahmudov, highlighted a qualitative shift in the nature of collaboration with Japanese companies, noting that they are moving from equipment supply toward direct investment in the country’s energy sector.

He explained that while Japanese firms previously primarily acted as suppliers of technological equipment and contractors, today, given Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms, established legal framework, and stable conditions for investors, they are actively participating in projects through direct investments.

Specifically, Japanese companies are part of a consortium with EDF in the construction of a combined-cycle power plant in the Syrdarya region. Additionally, companies such as Sojitz and Sumitomo began assessing the country’s wind energy potential last year, with agreements for new wind power plants expected to be signed in the coming year.

Sumitomo has also acquired stakes in ACWA Power projects, including the construction of solar power plants in the Samarkand regxqion and wind farms in Karakalpakstan. The company is currently showing interest in developing energy infrastructure, including the construction of transmission lines and new substations.

The minister emphasized that during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Japan, agreements were reached to leverage not only Japanese expertise and financial resources but also advanced Japanese technologies, including the localization of energy equipment production in Uzbekistan.

Moreover, Japanese financial institutions are providing concessional financing for energy efficiency projects, particularly in buildings and facilities. This collaboration will continue jointly with the National Agency for Energy Efficiency and the participation of JICA.

Agreements were also reached with Japanese financial institutions, including JBIC, to support the participation of Japanese companies in Uzbekistan’s energy projects and to back new investment initiatives in the future.