UAE Delegation Led By Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Launches Major Renewable Energy Projects In Uzbekistan

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, along with Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, recently visited Uzbekistan. They led a delegation comprising representatives from the UAE's public and private sectors. This visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

The delegation engaged in discussions with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan. He expressed his dedication to elevating bilateral ties across various sectors for mutual benefit. The visit aligns with efforts by both countries' leaderships to enhance cooperation in key areas of shared interest.

During their stay, the delegation attended the launch of the Zarafshan Wind Farm. This project is Central Asia's largest renewable energy initiative and Uzbekistan's first utility-scale wind power project. It boasts a production capacity of 500 MW, enough to supply electricity to over 500,000 homes while reducing carbon emissions by more than 1 million tonnes annually.

A significant development during the visit was the signing of a Power Purchase Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the "TPP1 Saffron" project. This agreement involves Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy. The project will establish a gas-fired power plant with a 900 MW capacity through a strategic partnership involving TAQA, Mubadala, and the Uzbek government.

The delegation also met with several Uzbek ministers and officials to explore further cooperation in oil, gas, clean energy, infrastructure, and other priority areas. Discussions included potential joint investment opportunities that could benefit both nations.

The non-oil trade exchange between the UAE and Uzbekistan reached approximately AED6.8 billion in 2023, reflecting an 84% increase from the previous year. By September 2024, trade had already surpassed 2023 levels, achieving over AED7.6 billion ($2.1 billion), driven by a fourfold rise in imports and a 37% increase in exports.

Strategic Partnerships for Future Development

Another key event was signing a joint development agreement for the "Mubarak" project in Qashqadaryo region. This agreement involves Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and JSC Thermal Power Plants (JSC TPP). The project's total capacity is set at 320 MW.

The visit included discussions with Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Energy. These talks focused on ongoing projects and future opportunities in priority sectors to support sustainable development and strengthen partnerships between the two countries.

This working visit underscores both nations' commitment to advancing their relationship across vital sectors while exploring new avenues for collaboration.

With inputs from WAM