Uzbekistan solar capacity expansion in Q1 2025
Uzbekistan’s solar capacity experienced a significant boost in the first quarter of 2025, with an increase of 191.6 megawatts (MW), bringing the total capacity to 2.2 gigawatts (GW). This growth includes the completion of two major photovoltaic projects and an impressive expansion in distributed solar installations. The rise reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy and its ambitious plans for the future.
Growth in Uzbekistan solar capacity
During the first quarter of 2025, Uzbekistan’s solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity rose by 191.6 MW, achieving a total installed capacity of 2.2 GW, as reported by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). At the end of 2024, the country had reached a solar capacity of 2.01 GW, marking a considerable leap forward in a short period.
The recent growth includes two large ground-mounted solar plants alongside significant advancements in distributed solar. The first prominent project, the 100 MW Bash solar plant, was developed by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and completed in March 2025. Masdar secured the tender for this project in March 2024 by offering a competitive price of $0.022 per kWh, with backing from the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program. Additionally, the 25 MW Bozatau solar plant in the Karakalpakstan region, also spearheaded by Masdar, began construction earlier this year.
Distributed Uzbekistan solar capacity expansion
The remaining 66.6 MW of capacity added in the first quarter of 2025 resulted from distributed solar installations, driven by Uzbekistan’s initiatives to promote renewable energy and enhance energy efficiency. The government has been proactive in supporting distributed generation since 2021, implementing regulations to encourage the growth of distributed energy resources. These measures align with a broader strategy to increase the share of renewables in the national energy mix.
Renewable energy targets and Uzbekistan solar capacity goals
Uzbekistan has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 12 GW of solar and wind capacity by 2030, including 5 GW of solar capacity. The recent surge in solar installations indicates significant progress towards these objectives. The nation’s focus on renewables is a part of a larger effort to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, despite its substantial natural gas reserves. The government is prioritizing clean energy development to lower greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.
Future plans for Uzbekistan solar capacity development
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan plans to continue expanding its renewable energy sector. The government aims to decrease the share of fossil fuels in electricity generation from 90% in 2020 to 63% by 2030. This transition will include further investments in solar and wind power. Moreover, the country is focusing on improving energy efficiency, targeting a reduction in energy consumption by 20% by 2030 through renewable energy development and energy-saving measures.
Challenges and opportunities in expanding Uzbekistan solar capacity
Despite the positive strides, Uzbekistan faces challenges in meeting its renewable energy goals. The country’s energy infrastructure requires significant upgrades to support the increasing share of renewables. Additionally, attracting investment in renewable energy projects remains a critical priority. However, Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector presents vast opportunities. The nation’s abundant solar resources make it an ideal location for large-scale solar projects. The government’s supportive policies, coupled with international backing, create a conducive environment for the expansion of renewable energy.
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