ACWA Power Begins Commercial Operations at Two Major Wind Farms in Uzbekistan

Saudi energy giant ACWA Power has officially launched commercial operations at two landmark wind power projects in Uzbekistan, marking a significant step forward in the Central Asian nation’s renewable energy ambitions.

According to a statement posted by ACWA Power on the Saudi stock exchange Tadawul, the 500-megawatt Dzhankeldy Wind Power Plant commenced operations on April 1, followed by the 500-MW Bash Wind Power Plant on April 6. The two projects, each with a generating capacity of half a gigawatt, are now fully operational.

ACWA Power holds a 65% stake in both plants, after divesting 35% to China Southern Power Grid International in July 2024. The joint effort is part of a broader push to support Uzbekistan’s energy diversification and sustainability goals.

Uzbekistan is aiming to derive 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. With a target of installing 20 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by the end of the decade, the country is aggressively expanding its solar, wind, and hydropower infrastructure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut emissions, and strengthen energy security.

ACWA Power’s chairman, Mohammad Abunayyan, who also heads the Saudi-Uzbek Business Council, hailed the achievement as a milestone in foreign direct investment and regional development.

“Today’s groundbreaking highlights the multitude of large-scale investments and commendable efforts by Uzbekistan to strengthen the potential of its energy system. It paves the way for ACWA Power projects that are expected to bring broad benefits to the country’s regions and communities,” Abunayyan said during a ceremony marking the progress in December.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman also attended the inauguration virtually and praised the deepening ties between Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, particularly in the energy sector. He cited the partnership as a prime example of cooperation in line with the strategic goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and Uzbekistan’s Strategy 2030.

The minister emphasized that the shared objectives of economic development, energy diversification, and sustainable growth have fostered closer collaboration, especially as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its investments in Uzbekistan’s energy sector amid a global energy transition.

ACWA Power has become one of the most prominent foreign investors in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy landscape. The company confirmed that the financial impact of both wind power projects will begin reflecting in its earnings from the second quarter of 2025.

With these two wind farms now operational, Uzbekistan is moving closer to its renewable energy targets, while ACWA Power further cements its position as a global leader in clean energy infrastructure.