Voltalia, a global renewable energy company, has initiated construction on a groundbreaking 126MW solar and battery project named Sarimay in Uzbekistan, signaling a significant stride towards enhancing the country's renewable energy infrastructure.
Scheduled for commissioning in the second half of 2025, Sarimay represents a pivotal endeavor in Uzbekistan's journey towards sustainable energy solutions.
In addition to launching construction on the Sarimay solar project, Voltalia has forged two new partnership agreements for the integration of a 50MW battery at Sarimay and a separate 500MW battery project elsewhere in the country.
The power purchase contract, secured for a minimum of 25 years, was acquired in 2022 through a tender managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a subsidiary of the World Bank.
To finance the project, Voltalia has engaged the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), underlining the international collaboration driving Uzbekistan's renewable energy ambitions.
Situated in the Khorezm region, the Sarimay solar power plant forms part of a multi-energy complex aimed at diversifying Uzbekistan's energy mix.
The 50MW battery storage unit, slated for construction in 2024, is poised to enhance grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity network.
Furthermore, Voltalia is exploring the potential for a future 100MW wind farm, indicative of the company's commitment to advancing renewable energy production in Uzbekistan.
At the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Voltalia inked a memorandum of understanding for the development, financing, construction, and maintenance of a 500MW battery storage complex, bolstering the country's energy transformation efforts.
Sebastien Clerc, Chief Executive of Voltalia, underscored the company's dedication to Uzbekistan's energy transition, stating, “The start of work in Sarimay and the conclusion of an agreement for a new storage complex illustrate our commitment to strengthening our presence in Uzbekistan.”
Clerc emphasized Voltalia's role in providing innovative solutions to support the decarbonization and stability of Uzbekistan's electricity infrastructure, aligning with the country's aspirations for sustainable energy development.
