Masdar, Kyrgyzstan to develop 1GW renewable projects

It will start with a 200MW solar plant which is scheduled to operate by 2026.

Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy firm Masdar signed an agreement with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy for the development of one-gigawatt (GW) renewable projects to enhance the Central Asian country’s energy security.

In a statement, Masdar said they will first develop a 200-megawatt solar plant as part of the agreement which is expected to start operations by 2026.

The project is in line with the memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties in April 2022 for the investment in and exploration of renewable energy opportunities in Kyrgyzstan, including ground-mounted solar PV, floating solar, and hydropower projects.

Kyrgyzstan aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 44% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The country generated around 90% of its electricity from clean energy resources mostly from ageing hydropower plants.

The country also has a high solar irradiation level which provides the potential to ramp up clean energy access and security.