ADB finances $30m solar, battery projects in Uzbekistan

The renewable developments are expected to curb carbon emissions and increase electricity generation.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided financing for the development of a $30m, 300‑megawatt solar power plant and 75‑megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) in Guzar City, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan, to be implemented by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Private Joint Stock Company (Masdar).

The projects will boost the country’s renewable energy capacity as it transitions to a low‑carbon economy, with expected annual electricity production of 634 gigawatt‑hours and an offset of approximately 354,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions once operational.

The project also includes the construction of electrical interconnection facilities—1.6 kilometres of transmission lines and a 220‑kilovolt substation—to integrate renewable energy into the national power grid.

This aligns with Uzbekistan’s target of achieving a 40% share of renewables in its power generation mix by 2030.

The ADB will administer the financing package, which consists of a $12.5m loan from ADB, a $12.5m loan from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2, and a $5m loan from the Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia.

“By combining large-scale solar generation with BESS, the project will help meet growing electricity demand, improve power reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support Uzbekistan’s commitment to a more sustainable future,” said Kanokpan Lao‑Araya, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan.