ACWA Power breaks ground on wind-battery storage project in Uzbekistan

Saudi-listed ACWA Power has hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its Beruniy Wind IPP project, adding to the long list of renewable energy projects the developer is working on in Uzbekistan.

Once completed, the project will feature a 200 MW wind power plant and a 100 MW battery energy storage system located in the Beruniy Region of Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic in Uzbekistan, situated south of the Aral Sea. 

With an investment value of $260 million, the Beruniy Wind IPP project is delivered in partnership with JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU).

ACWA Power will also build a double-circuit 220 kV power transmission line with a length of 45 km up to the Beruniy substation to connect the battery energy storage component of the project. The project is expected to enter commercial operation by the last quarter of 2026.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by high-profile Uzbek officials, including Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev for leading the groundbreaking ceremony of this pivotal project that marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan,” said Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power.

Uzbekistan is ACWA Power’s second-largest market in terms of investment, with 15 projects currently underway and a total investment volume of up to $15 billion.

Earlier this year, the Saudi Arabian developer has reached financial close for the Tashkent Riverside project in Uzbekistan, which includes a 200 MW solar plant and a 500 MWh battery energy storage system.

By 2030, Uzbekistan is aiming to install 25 GW of renewables and generate 40% of its electricity from renewable energy sources.