Masdar Signs Landmark Agreement for Uzbekistan’s Largest Standalone Battery Energy Storage Project

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a global leader in clean energy, has signed a Battery Storage Service Agreement with Uzbekistan’s state-owned company JSC Uzenergosotish to implement the country’s largest standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) — the Zarafshan BESS.

Zarafshan BESS will serve as the first phase of a national battery energy storage program following Masdar’s December 2023 agreement with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade. The program aims to develop up to 575 megawatts (MW) / 1.15 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of BESS capacity across the country.

The first phase of the project will be capable of storing up to 300 MW / 600 MWh of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 1.3 million households for two hours. It will be connected to the Murunau substation. The second phase, also 300 MW / 600 MWh, will expand the capacity of the Zarafshan facility.

Upon commissioning in the third quarter of 2028, Zarafshan BESS will strengthen the reliability and flexibility of Uzbekistan’s power grid, supporting the target of generating 54% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and advancing long-term net-zero emissions goals.

The agreement was signed at the ADIPEC International Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference by Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and JSC Uzenergosotish Chairman Jahongir Obidjonov, with the participation of UAE Minister of Energy Suhail Al-Mazrouei and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzahmadov.

Suhail Al-Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, stated: “The UAE is proud that Masdar, a global leader in clean energy, supports our partners in accelerating energy transitions. The Zarafshan battery storage system will play a key role in strengthening the resilience of Uzbekistan’s power grid and expanding the integration of renewable energy, fully aligning with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable and diversified energy future. This cooperation underscores the strong ties between our countries and our shared commitment to practical and scalable solutions for global energy security and decarbonization.”

Jurabek Mirzahmadov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, added: “In recent years, the friendly relations between the heads of state of Uzbekistan and the UAE have reached a new level. During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit in January this year, the relations between our countries were elevated to a strategic partnership. Within this framework, large-scale green energy projects are being implemented together with UAE companies. Notably, with Masdar, five solar power plants totaling 1,247 MW, one 500 MW wind power plant, and a 63 MW energy storage system have been commissioned. Additionally, a 300 MW solar power plant is currently under construction. Thanks to this fruitful collaboration, the next major project — a 300 MW / 600 MWh battery energy storage system — will be implemented on an accelerated schedule, significantly increasing renewable energy integration into the grid and advancing Uzbekistan’s energy sector development.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar CEO, emphasized: “The Zarafshan BESS represents a significant milestone in Uzbekistan’s energy transition and further demonstrates Masdar’s leadership in global battery storage projects. The project draws on more than two decades of experience in developing and operating large-scale renewable energy and storage facilities, and we are confident in its successful implementation, contributing to Uzbekistan’s sustainable economic growth.”

Jahongir Obidjonov, Chairman of JSC Uzenergosotish, added: “We are delighted to launch another major project with Masdar. This initiative will make a significant contribution to Uzbekistan’s ambitious green energy goals, and we sincerely appreciate the partnership.”

Zarafshan BESS complements Masdar’s existing portfolio in Uzbekistan, which includes around 2 GW of clean energy with investments exceeding USD 2 billion. Masdar has also committed to developing over 2 GW of additional capacity and expanding Zarafshan BESS by another 300 MW / 600 MWh, supporting Uzbekistan’s goal of 20 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and Masdar’s global target of 100 GW by 2030.

Masdar is advancing large-scale energy storage innovations globally. In October, the company began construction of the world’s first gigascale solar generation project with round-the-clock energy storage in Abu Dhabi, featuring a 5.2 GW solar plant integrated with a 19 GWh BESS capable of supplying 1 GW of baseload renewable power. Upon completion, the project will be the world’s largest and most technologically advanced system of its kind.