China's Universal Energy plans to commission 500 MW wind power plant in Uzbekistan in 2027

TASHKENT. Oct 26 (Interfax) - China's Universal Energy plans to bring a 500 MW wind power plant in the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan to full capacity by 2027, according to a statement from the country's Energy Ministry.

"Universal Energy is currently constructing a 500 MW wind power plant in the Bulungur District of the Samarkand Region. The total cost of the project is $500 million, with funding provided entirely through foreign direct investment. The first phase is scheduled to launch by the end of this year, with full capacity expected to be reached by 2027," according to the statement.

According to the ministry, once the plant reaches its design capacity, it will be capable of generating over 1.75 billion kWh of electricity annually, comparable to the yearly consumption of approximately 730,000 households.

The project is expected to save about 467 million cubic meters of natural gas per year and reduce atmospheric emissions of harmful substances by more than 1 million tonnes.

Uzbek Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjaev visited a construction site in the Bulungur District to inspect the progress of construction and installation work, according to a press release.

In May 2023, Universal Energy signed a preliminary investment agreement to construct a 500 MW wind power plant in the Samarkand Region.