Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan to develop a 1GW wind farm in the Mingbulak region.
The new wind facility is expected to generate 1,000 jobs during its construction phase and 60 positions for ongoing operations, ultimately supplying clean energy to approximately 300,000 homes in the region.
It marks the first phase in a strategic plan to develop three wind farms across Uzbekistan, reinforcing the partnership between Masdar and Uzbekistan.
The signing took place on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, with UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar, and COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Uzbekistan Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, in attendance.
The agreement was formalised by Uzenergosotish chairman Jakhongir Obidjonov and Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi.
In 2023, Masdar signed an implementation agreement to develop an additional 2GW of wind projects in Uzbekistan.
Alongside the Mingbulak wind farm, these projects will include sites in Akpetki in the Karakalpakstan region and Buzaubay in the Navoiy region, expanding Masdar’s renewable energy footprint across the country.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber said: “Developing a 1GW wind farm is another example of our commitment to deliver maximum energy with fewer emissions.
“Agreements like these further propel us towards our shared goals of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, as outlined in the historic UAE Consensus, and driving low-carbon socioeconomic progress.”
Uzbekistan Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov said: “The Mingbulak Wind Power Plant marks a new phase in our partnership, offering us opportunities to enhance energy security, generate new jobs, and drive economic growth. We have strong confidence in Masdar’s projects in Uzbekistan and believe in their continued success.
“In alignment with the UAE’s “Triple Renewable Energy Capacity” initiative, we join the global movement to combat climate change. Uzbekistan, in turn, reaffirms its commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and aims to expand international cooperation in the renewable energy sector.”
The new wind project will bolster Uzbekistan’s renewable energy portfolio and complement Masdar’s existing projects in the country, including six utility-scale solar power plants.
This project aligns with Masdar’s commitment to support Uzbekistan’s target of sourcing 40% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said: “Uzbekistan is a key strategic partner for Masdar, and we are working together to achieve the country’s ambitious renewable energy goals by delivering renewable energy projects that will power the country’s homes and businesses – and sustainable growth – while successfully cutting emissions.
“Masdar is proud to support Uzbekistan as it works to transform its energy landscape, and we look forward to continuing our shared journey toward a more sustainable future.”
