ACWA Power in line for 100MW wind farm in Uzbekistan

Saudi Arabia-based developer ACWA Power is due to build a 100MW project in Uzbekistan, having submitted a winning power bid of $25.65/MWh in the country’s first wind tender.

It edged out rival bids from Dubai-based Masdar and French firm Voltalia, who bid $26.55/MWh and $32.79/Mh respectively, to become the “preferred winning bidder”, the Uzbek energy ministry stated.

The 100MW Qorao’zak Qorao’zak (100MW) OnshoreRepublic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, Asia-Pacific Click to see full details project in Karakalpakstan in the north-western tip of the central Asian country is expected to deliver first power to the grid within two years, the ministry believes.

It is unclear whether the project is part of a larger 500-1,000MW development being planned by ACWA Power in Karakalpakstan.

Uzbekistan wants to develop 3GW of wind capacity by 2030, according to the government’s ten-year electricity plan. It expects to increase this target in the next review of its long-term development plan.

The country’s wind pipeline already exceeds this 3GW target.

Masdar and Chinese power firm Lioaning are all planning 1.5GW wind farms in Uzbekistan, while ACWA Power is planning an up to 1GW wind farm, adding to a single 750kW Goldwind turbine already in operation.