Global clean energy leader Masdar has signed a Battery Storage Service Agreement with JSC Uzenergosotish, Uzbekistan’s state-owned joint-stock company, to develop the country’s largest standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) — a major step in advancing grid reliability and renewable integration across the nation.
The project, known as the Zarafshan BESS, represents the first phase of Uzbekistan’s national battery storage program and follows Masdar’s December 2023 agreement with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade to develop up to 575MW / 1.15GWh of BESS capacity across the country.
Strengthening Grid Stability and Renewable Integration
Phase 1 of the Zarafshan project will feature a 300MW / 600MWh storage facility connected to the Murunau Substation, capable of powering approximately 1.3 million households for two hours. A second phase will extend capacity by an additional 300MW / 600MWh, further bolstering Uzbekistan’s grid flexibility.
Once operational in Q3 2028, the facility will enhance grid reliability and support Uzbekistan’s target of generating 54% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, contributing to the nation’s net-zero transition.
Partnership Cemented at ADIPEC
The agreement was formally signed at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) by Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and Jahongir Obidjonov, Chairman of the Board of JSC Uzenergosotish. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, and H.E. Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Leaders Commend Bilateral Cooperation
H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE’s pride in supporting global partners in their clean energy transitions:
“The Zarafshan Battery Energy Storage System will play a vital role in strengthening Uzbekistan’s grid resilience and expanding renewable energy integration. This collaboration reflects the UAE’s vision for a sustainable, diversified energy future.”
H.E. Jurabek Mirzamahmudov emphasized the strong ties between Uzbekistan and the UAE, noting that energy collaboration has become a pillar of their strategic partnership.
“Thanks to this cooperation, projects such as the 300MW/600MWh Zarafshan BESS will accelerate our transition to green energy and integrate large-scale renewable capacity into the national grid,” he said.
Expanding Masdar’s Clean Energy Footprint
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi described the Zarafshan BESS as a milestone in Uzbekistan’s clean energy journey:
“This project underscores Masdar’s commitment to advancing large-scale renewable and storage developments worldwide and contributing to Uzbekistan’s sustainable economic growth.”
Jahongir Obidjonov, Chairman of JSC Uzenergosotish, added:
“This partnership will play a key role in achieving Uzbekistan’s renewable energy goals, and we extend our gratitude to Masdar for their continued collaboration.”
Supporting Long-Term Energy Goals
The Zarafshan BESS adds to Masdar’s expanding presence in Uzbekistan, where it already operates around 2GW of clean energy capacity with total investments exceeding USD 2 billion. Masdar plans to develop an additional 2GW of clean energy projects and extend the Zarafshan BESS by a further 300MW / 600MWh, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s ambition to reach 20GW of renewables by 2030 and Masdar’s global 100GW target.
Globally, Masdar continues to drive innovation in energy storage. In October, the company broke ground on the world’s first gigascale 24/7 solar and battery storage project in Abu Dhabi — a 5.2GW solar plant integrated with a 19GWh BESS, capable of delivering 1GW of baseload renewable power, marking a new frontier in sustainable energy technology.
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