ACWA Power Completes 1 GW Wind Power Plant in Bukhara
ACWA Power’s wind power project in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region has successfully started commercial operations ahead of schedule. The two wind farms, located in the Bash and Dzhankeldy areas, have a combined capacity of 1 gigawatt.
The project operator, Bash and Dzhankeldy Wind Project, officially announced the commencement of full-scale operations after receiving confirmation of readiness from Uzbekistan’s National Electric Grids (NEGU) in early April. The wind farms, consisting of 79 wind turbines each, have been commissioned nearly two months ahead of the planned timeline as per the power purchase agreement.
ACWA Power, a Saudi energy company, holds a 65% stake in the project, with China Southern Power Grid International owning the remaining 35%. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and its partners provided $520 million in funding for the construction of the wind farms, with additional funding allocated for the power transmission line connecting the farms to the national grid.
In spring 2023, the Asian Development Bank contributed $174 million to the project. ACWA Power is actively involved in developing green energy projects in Uzbekistan, including two 1 GW solar photovoltaic plants in the Samarkand region and a 334 MW energy storage system in the Tashkent region.
The successful operation of the wind power project marks a significant step towards increasing renewable energy capacity in Uzbekistan and promoting sustainable energy practices in the region. With ACWA Power’s continued commitment to green energy projects, Uzbekistan is poised to make further advancements in the renewable energy sector.
