Masdar, a UAE-based renewable energy company and the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a MoU to explore up to 1 GW of renewable energy opportunities in Kyrgyzstan. Under the agreement, Masdar plans to explore and invest in a wide range of renewable energy projects, including ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV), floating solar PV, and hydropower projects.
Reportedly, the initiative is intended to help Kyrgyzstan achieve its clean-energy objectives. Kyrgyzstan has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 44 percent by the end of this decade and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Currently, 90 per cent of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources, particularly its ageing hydroelectric projects.
In August 2021, the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal project, Saudi Arabia’s first and largest wind farm, was linked to the grid and produced electricity, according to developers EDF Renewables and Masdar. Vestas’ V150-4.0/4.2 wind turbines, each capable of generating 4.2 MW to the grid, were used in the 400 MW project.
REGlobal’s Views: Central Asia, with high untapped renewable energy resources, offers attractive opportunity to large global players like Masdar to expand its portfolio. Masdar is also exploring similar opportunities in other markets of the region including Uzbekistan.
