Masdar enters Tajikistan through JV, eyes 500MW clean energy projects

Image: WAM

MW Energy, a joint venture between Masdar and W Solar Investment, has signed an agreement with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources.

The deal will see the entities explore clean energy projects with a capacity of at least 500 megawatts (MW), including floating solar power and hydropower, in landlocked and water-abundant Tajikistan.

The MoU was signed during the Dushanbe International Investment Forum, as reported by the state news agency, WAM.

Tajikistan relies on hydropower and has offers significant potential for developing and expanding 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.

‘Proud to partner with Tajikistan’

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure said, “The UAE is 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., the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan said, “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.

“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.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s CEO, 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.”

Muhammad Zafar, CEO of W Solar, said, “Our 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.”

Masdar is focused on growing its presence in Central Asia

Masdar has developed several projects in Central Asia, including the region’s largest wind farm, the 500MW capacity Zarafshan plant in Uzbekistan.

Read: UAE’s Masdar to develop over 2GW of clean energy 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.

The company’s 100MW Nur Navoi Solar Power Project in Uzbekistan has been operational since 2021.

The 250MW Nur Bukhara Solar Power Project with 63MW/126MWh battery energy storage system is also part of the pipeline.