UN chief praises Uzbekistan’s progress in renewable energy

In 2021, Uzbekistan voluntarily committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. This target reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to greater climate and environmental sustainability action.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres Visits Riverside Solar Power Plant

During an official visit to Uzbekistan this week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the Riverside solar power plant in the Tashkent region. He reviewed progress made in Uzbekistan’s green energy sector and discussed plans for the future.

Uzbekistan’s energy sector reform goals include generating 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Achieving this goal would offset 16 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The Riverside Photovoltaic Power Plant is a key part of this commitment. As part of a broader initiative, the plant contributes to several renewable energy projects across Uzbekistan. Its ability to generate clean energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the integration of a 500 MWh battery storage system ensures the stability and efficiency of the renewable energy supply, making it a more cost-effective alternative to traditional energy sources.

During a visit to the Riverside power plant, the UN chief praised Uzbekistan for its commitment to developing renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

ACWA Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor and operator of power plants, desalination plants and green hydrogen plants worldwide, has signed three power purchase agreements and investment agreements with the joint-stock company (JSC) National Electric Grids of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan. These agreements cover the development of three photovoltaic projects in Tashkent and Samarkand and three battery energy storage systems in Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand.

The integration of battery storage systems into the power grid will soon provide Uzbekistan with the largest of its kind in the region. These systems play a key role in stabilizing the power grid and supporting the development of renewable energy. They help mitigate the effects of intermittency in renewable energy sources by storing excess electricity generated during periods of high production and making it available during periods of low production. This ensures a steady and reliable supply of electricity to the grid, meeting Uzbekistan’s growing energy demand.

These projects bring socio-economic benefits to Uzbekistan, providing electricity to over a million households in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. They also offset about 1.6 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

In addition, public-private partnerships are key to Uzbekistan’s energy transformation. The Riverside Photovoltaic Power Plant is an example of how PPPs are facilitating large-scale renewable energy projects, moving the country toward a sustainable energy future.

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