Masdar Expands Renewable Energy Footprint in Uzbekistan Amid Green Energy Push

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — UAE-based renewable energy developer Masdar is rapidly expanding its operations in Uzbekistan, with projects spanning solar, wind, and battery storage as the Central Asian country seeks to boost its clean energy generation.

Maryam Al Mazrouei, Head of Business Development (CIS) at Masdar, told reporters that the company’s journey in Uzbekistan began in 2018 with a modest 100-megawatt solar project in the Navoi region. Today, Masdar’s presence in the country has grown twentyfold, with an installed capacity of 2 gigawatts and total investments exceeding US$2 billion.

“Uzbekistan is a core market for Masdar and strategically important for the UAE,” Al Mazrouei said. “We are grateful to support the country’s journey toward clean energy and are proud to see the market’s evolution since 2018.”

Masdar has several projects in the pipeline. Construction will soon begin on the Guzar solar project, which will be integrated with battery storage. In addition, the company has signed agreements for a standalone battery storage project with a capacity of 600 megawatt-hours, and discussions are underway with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy on a potential second phase to further support grid stability.

Al Mazrouei also highlighted Masdar’s plans for a 1-gigawatt wind project in the Mingbulak region, which has been under study for the past year. Additionally, Masdar aims to replicate its UAE “round-the-clock” renewable energy model in Uzbekistan and other countries. A recent agreement with the Ministry of Energy and the Emirates Utilities Development

Company sets the stage for developing up to 1 gigawatt of such round-the-clock capacity in Uzbekistan.

Answering to question on possible participation of Masdar in Central Asia – EU Green Energy Corridor, Al Mazrouei said Masdar’s focus is on generation rather than export logistics. “We support the initiative for a Central Asian green energy export corridor to the EU and will extend any assistance needed. If the government requests Masdar to build projects for export purposes, we will be the first to show interest,” she said.

Regarding challenges, Al Mazrouei emphasized the technical complexities of integrating renewable energy into the national grid. The Uzbek government has already recognized these issues, she noted, particularly the need to balance electricity from diverse sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. Battery storage solutions, including Masdar’s projects in Bukhara, are central to addressing these challenges.

“Uzbekistan targets 54% of its electricity generation from renewables by 2030,” she said. “The government is doing an amazing job, and we are confident these targets will be achieved with continued collaboration between public authorities and developers.”

Masdar’s ongoing investments underscore Uzbekistan’s growing appeal as a hub for renewable energy, attracting both domestic and international investors to a sector that is rapidly shaping the country’s energy future.

Currently, Masdar implemeted five projects in Uzbekistan and two is under construction.