Uzbekistan

The country's renewable energy expansion is anchored in the Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, which sets a target for renewables to reach around 40% of total electricity generation by 2030. According to the IEA Electricity Report 2026, power generation in the country increased by nearly 5% in 2024 and is estimated to grow by a further 4% in 2025, reflecting steadily rising electricity demand.

While Uzbekistan's power mix remains heavily reliant on gas-fired generation, the government is pursuing diversification by scaling up renewable deployment. Combined wind and solar capacity is expected to reach around 20 GW by 2030 under current plans, positioning renewables as a structural pillar of the future electricity system rather than a marginal supplement. Studies place the country's wind energy potential at around 520 GW. It is expected that, by the end of 2026, Uzbekistan will commission an additional 3 GW of wind.

Policy framework and market evolution

Uzbekistan develops wind projects through two main frameworks: direct negotiation under the Investment Law and structured PPP tenders for larger, infrastructure-intensive projects. While both models provide state-backed PPAs and have attracted foreign developers, their scalability depends on grid expansion and regulatory execution capacity. International financial institutions such as IFC, EBRD and ADB have played a pivotal advisory and financing role, particularly in structuring early wind projects and mobilising private sector engagement.

Flagship projects include the Bash, Dzhankeldy and Zarafshan wind farms, with a combined capacity of 1.5 GW. Both located in the Bukhara region, the 500 MW Bash and 500 MW Dzhankeldy are owned and operated by a consortium comprising ACWA Power and China Southern Power Grid International, and supported by Chinese EPC contractor CEEC. The 521.7 MW Zarafshan, which achieved commercial operation in December 2025, is owned and operated by Emirati developer Masdar, and its delivery was supported by SEPCO. Chinese contractors are delivering full-scope engineering responsibilities in the above projects and continue to support equipment supply.