Masdar to develop 1GW Mingbulak Wind Farm in Uzbekistan

In a significant move to advance renewable energy in Central Asia, Masdar, the UAE’s prominent clean energy company, has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan to develop a 1-gigawatt (GW) wind farm in Mingbulak.

This project, poised to supply clean energy to approximately 300,000 homes and create over 1,000 jobs, represents the first phase of a broader 2GW wind energy strategy in Uzbekistan.

The agreement was formalised during COP29 in Baku.

This partnership aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s renewable energy capacity and support the nation’s sustainable development goals. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, chairman of Masdar, and COP28 President highlighted the importance of the UAE-Uzbekistan partnership, noting, “The UAE and Uzbekistan’s relationship exemplifies the ambition required to drive impactful climate action and grow clean energy.

“Developing a 1GW wind farm further demonstrates our commitment to providing maximum energy output with minimal emissions. Agreements like these propel us toward our shared vision of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, as outlined in the UAE Consensus.”

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, echoed this sentiment: “The UAE commends Uzbekistan’s climate leadership, and we are proud to support this partnership that fosters sustainable growth and renewable energy development.”

Supporting Uzbekistan’s renewable energy ambitions

Uzbekistan is working toward carbon neutrality, with renewable energy as a cornerstone of its national strategy. The Mingbulak wind project is expected to play a critical role in advancing these goals, with Uzbekistan aiming to generate 40 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

In 2023, Masdar committed to a 2GW wind energy project in Uzbekistan, including the newly announced Mingbulak wind farm, along with future developments in Akpetki and Buzaubay.

Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan Minister of Energy emphasised the country’s commitment to this path: “Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, we are prioritising green energy and sustainability. The Mingbulak Wind Power Plant represents a new phase in our collaboration with Masdar, enhancing energy security, generating jobs, and stimulating economic growth in Uzbekistan.”

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi expressed confidence in the long-standing partnership with Uzbekistan, saying, “Uzbekistan is a key strategic partner for Masdar. We are committed to delivering clean energy that will power homes and businesses, while also reducing emissions. Masdar is proud to support Uzbekistan’s vision for a sustainable future.”

 A track record of pioneering renewable projects in Uzbekistan

The clean energy giant‘s Mingbulak project builds upon its previous successes in Uzbekistan, which include the landmark 500MW Zarafshan Wind Farm and the 100MW Nur Navoi photovoltaic solar plant.

These initiatives have already made substantial strides in meeting Uzbekistan’s energy needs sustainably, and the Mingbulak project will further bolster the country’s renewable energy portfolio.

With projects spanning over 40 countries, Masdar is a cornerstone of the UAE’s renewable energy ambitions, with a target to expand its portfolio to 100GW by 2030 and become a global leader in green hydrogen production.

This new agreement reinforces Masdar’s dedication to building clean energy solutions in partnership with global markets, furthering its role as a key player in the UAE’s climate leadership and international collaborations.

Masdar achieves milestone on Kazagh project

In other news, Masdar reached a pivotal milestone with the signing of an investment agreement for a 1GW wind farm in Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku. The project, co-developed with W Solar, Qazaq Green Power, and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund, will be one of the largest wind farms in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and marks a significant investment in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy potential.

Construction is set to begin in Q1 2026, with completion expected to power approximately 300,000 homes in southern Kazakhstan while avoiding 2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

This agreement underscores the UAE and Kazakhstan’s partnership in clean energy and supports Kazakhstan’s target of carbon neutrality by 2060.