Will Uzbekistan fund a 250-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant?

TASHKENT, May 21, 2024 — The World Bank Group, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), and the Government of Uzbekistan have signed a financial package to fund a 250-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant with a 63-MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

How will Uzbekistan improve its energy security?

“This project will enhance Uzbekistan’s energy security through the use of innovative solutions and technologies,” noted Marco Mantovanelli, World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan.

What is the solar furnace of Uzbekistan?

The Solar Furnace of Uzbekistan was built in Uzbekistan and opened in 1981 as a part of a Soviet Union "Sun" Complex Research Facility, being the world largest concentrator. The rays are focused onto an area the size of a cooking pot and can reach 4,000 °C (7,230 °F), depending on the process installed; for example:

What is the energy sector like in Uzbekistan?

In Uzbekistan, the energy sector is concentrated in the hands of two monopolies, Uzbekenergo and Uzbekneftegaz, with mineral resources and rare-earth minerals concentrated at metallurgy plants, which the government intends to upgrade through a number of sponsored programmes, and with the active assistance of foreign contractors and suppliers.

Who will sell electricity to in Uzbekistan?

The project company is committed to selling electricity to the state-owned National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan JSC under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement for the project, including a 10-year operating term for the BESS component, signed by these two entities.