Masdar to develop 1 GW of renewable projects in Kyrgyzstan

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, or Masdar, on Tuesday said it has signed an agreement with Kyrgyzstan to develop a pipeline of renewable projects of up to 1 GW in the country, including an initial solar project of 200 MW, which is expected to become operational by 2026.

The Abu Dhabi renewable energy company has inked an implementation agreement with the Kyrgyz Republic's Ministry of Energy following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the parties in April 2022. Under the agreement, Masdar would explore and invest in a range of renewable energy projects such as ground-mounted solar, floating solar and hydropower.

“Today, the energy system of the Kyrgyz Republic faces challenges meeting the significant demand for electricity from all categories of consumers with our existing resources,” said Kyrgyzstan’s energy minister Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich. “At the same time, Kyrgyzstan has good solar energy potential. The successful implementation of projects to develop solar power plants of up to 1 GW capacity will help to ensure our nation’s energy security,” he added.

Masdar chief executive Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi said Masdar will leverage its experience in Central Asia to support Kyrgyzstan’s clean energy objectives.

Kyrgyzstan aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The country produces most of its electricity from clean energy resources, but these are mainly aging hydropower plants, it is noted in the announcement. It can take advantage of its solar resources to improve clean energy access and security.

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