Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar has signed a Battery Storage Service Agreement with JSC Uzenergosotish, Uzbekistan's state-owned joint-stock company, to develop the nation's largest standalone battery energy storage project. The agreement was signed at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) by Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, and Jahongir Obidjonov, Chairman of the Board, JSC Uzenergosotish.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, and His Excellency Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Minister of Energy, Republic of Uzbekistan. The project represents a significant milestone in Uzbekistan's energy transformation and marks the continuation of the strategic partnership between the UAE and Uzbekistan.

Project Specifications and Timeline

The Zarafshan Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will feature a 300MW/600MWh capacity in its first phase, making it capable of storing energy equivalent to powering approximately 1.3 million households for 2 hours. The facility will connect to the Murunau Substation and is scheduled to become operational in Q3 2028.

The project forms the first phase of a national battery storage program following Masdar's December 2023 agreement with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade to develop up to 575 megawatts (MW) / 1.15 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of BESS capacity across the country. A second 300MW/600MWh phase will expand the Zarafshan facility as part of future development plans.

Strategic Energy Goals and Grid Integration

Once operational, the Zarafshan BESS will strengthen Uzbekistan's grid reliability and flexibility, supporting the country's target of generating 54 percent of power from renewables by 2030. The project will also advance Uzbekistan's long-term net-zero goals by improving its capacity to integrate renewable energy.

His Excellency Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Minister of Energy, Republic of Uzbekistan, noted that the project will make a significant contribution to integrating large-scale renewable energy sources into the grid and to the further development of Uzbekistan's energy sector. He emphasized that the energy storage system will be implemented at an accelerated pace.

Existing Partnership and Investment Portfolio

The Zarafshan BESS adds to Masdar's growing current footprint in Uzbekistan, which includes around 2 GW of clean energy capacity and investments totaling over USD 2 billion. His Excellency Mirzamahmudov detailed the scope of existing cooperation, stating that in partnership with Masdar, five solar power plants with a total capacity of 1,247MW, one wind power plant with a capacity of 500MW, and a 63MW energy storage system have been commissioned in recent years. Additionally, a 300MW solar photovoltaic power plant is currently under construction.

Masdar has committed to developing over 2GW of additional clean energy capacity, as well as the extension plan of Zarafshan BESS with additional 300MW / 600MWh, supporting Uzbekistan's goal to reach 20GW of renewables by 2030 and Masdar's global ambition of 100GW by 2030.

Official Statements and International Relations

His Excellency Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, expressed pride in seeing Masdar support partners worldwide in accelerating their energy transformations. He described the collaboration as a testament to the strong ties between the UAE and Uzbekistan and their shared commitment to advancing practical, scalable solutions for global energy security and decarbonization.

His Excellency Mirzamahmudov highlighted the strong relationship between the two countries, noting that during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's January visit, Uzbek-Emirati relations were elevated to a strategic partnership. He emphasized that within this framework, large-scale projects aimed at the widespread development of “green” energy are being implemented in Uzbekistan in cooperation with UAE companies.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, described the Zarafshan Battery Energy Storage System as a significant milestone for Uzbekistan's energy transformation and another demonstration of Masdar's leadership in global battery storage projects. He noted that the project builds on more than two decades of experience developing and operating large-scale renewable and storage assets.

Jahongir Obidjonov, Chairman of the Board, JSC Uzenergosotish, expressed pleasure in launching another major project in cooperation with Masdar, stating that the initiative will make a significant contribution to achieving Uzbekistan's ambitious goals for the transition to green energy.

Masdar is also advancing large-scale energy storage innovation worldwide. In October, the company broke ground on the world's first gigascale 24/7 solar and battery storage project in Abu Dhabi, featuring a 5.2GW solar plant integrated with a 19GWh BESS to deliver 1GW baseload renewable power. Upon completion, this will be the largest and most technologically advanced system of its kind globally.

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