MW Energy, a joint venture between energy company, Masdar and W Solar Investment, has signed an agreement with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources to explore at least 500MW of clean energy projects.
The projects include floating solar power and hydropower, critical resources in water-abundant Tajikistan.
The collaboration aims to develop projects as part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with phase one targeting a minimum total capacity of 500MW.
HE Daler Jum’a, minister of energy and water resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, said: “Tajikistan is committed to increasing its installed electricity generation capacity and growing its promising green energy sector.
“A significant increase in generation is planned through the introduction of renewable energy. By 2030, the installed capacity of generating stations using solar and wind energy should be 700MW; today, 450MW 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.”
With an abundance of lakes, rivers and glaciers, Tajikistan relies on hydropower and has huge potential for growing other renewable energy sources.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s chief executive officer, said: “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.”
Central Asia is a key investment destination for Masdar. The Abu Dhabi-based company 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.
Source: Power Engineering International