Masdar Inks Deal with Tajikistan to Set Up 500MW Clean Energy Projects

MW Energy, a joint venture between Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company and Masdar and W Solar Investment, on Tuesday said that it has signed an agreement with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MOEWR) to explore at least 500 megawatts (MW) capacity of clean energy projects, including floating solar power and hydropower, in landlocked and water-abundant Tajikistan.

The MoU was signed during the Dushanbe International Investment Forum. With an abundance of lakes, rivers and glaciers, Tajikistan relies on hydropower and has enormous potential for growing other renewable energy sources.

The collaboration aims to develop projects, including solar PV, wind and hydropower, as part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Phase one targets a minimum total capacity of 500MW.

The signing was witnessed by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, Daler Jum’a. Also present were Dr Mohammed Said Mohammed al-Ariqi, UAE Ambassador to Tajikistan, and Bahodur Sharifi Mahmudzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan to the UAE.

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei said that the UAE was proud to be partnering with Tajikistan to explore cutting-edge renewable energy projects to help increase energy security and reduce carbon emissions. As the UAE looks forward to hosting COP28, we will continue to work with nations to accelerate the path to a net-zero future.

Daler Jum’a said that Tajikistan is committed to increasing its installed electricity generation capacity and growing its promising green energy sector. Our land is blessed with many natural resources, and we look forward to working with partners to harness this potential and meet our energy and development goals, he said.

“A significant increase in generation is planned through introducing renewable energy. By 2030, the installed capacity of generating stations using solar and wind energy should be 700 MW; today, 450 MW of this is being developed by a feasibility study with the participation of international consulting companies with the financial support of international financial institutions. This is a relatively new direction for us, but nevertheless, concrete work has already begun,” the Tajik Minister added.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s CEO, said that as Masdar and W Solar mark their entrance into the Tajikistan market, this partnership demonstrates the impressive range of utility-scale renewable energy expertise we can bring to the table.

“We look forward to supporting the Republic of Tajikistan with its renewable energy goals and harnessing the abundant power of the nation’s sun, wind and water to generate clean energy and drive sustainable development,” Ramahi added.

Muhammad Zafar, CEO of W Solar, said that their collaboration with Masdar in Tajikistan is a testament to W Solar’s unwavering commitment to advancing renewable energy globally. This venture in Tajikistan is not just about energy generation, but about building resilience, empowering communities, and contributing to a greener planet, he added.

Masdar in Central Asia

Central Asia is a key investment destination for Masdar. As one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies, it has developed several landmark projects, including the region’s largest wind farm, the 500MW capacity Zarafshan plant in Uzbekistan.

Masdar has also reached financial close on three Uzbek solar projects in Jizzakh, Samarkand and Sherabad, which have a combined capacity of around 900MW – making it the largest solar development program in Central Asia.

Masdar’s 100MW Nur Navoi Solar Power Project in Uzbekistan has been operational since 2021. Other key developments in the pipeline include the 250MW Nur Bukhara Solar Power Project with 63MW/126MWh battery energy storage system.