Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Expands In Central Asia

• Masdar and W Solar have formalized their renewable energy development plans for Tajikistan  
• It will entail the development of a minimum of 500 MW capacity under phase I, on a PPP basis  
• The JV will explore ground-mounted solar, onshore wind, floating solar and hydropower projects 

Abu Dhabi's Masdar is foraying into the Central Asian market of Tajikistan to explore the development of a minimum 500 MW clean energy capacity in the 'landlocked and water-abundant' country.  

It will include the development of ground-mounted solar, onshore wind, floating solar and hydropower projects, through MW Energy, a joint venture (JV) between Masdar and W Solar Investment.  

"With an abundance of lakes, rivers and glaciers, Tajikistan relies on hydropower and has huge potential for growing other renewable energy sources," stated Masdar.  

The 2 partners signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tajikistan's Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MOEWR) at the Dushanbe International Investment Forum to co-develop these projects on a public private partnership (PPP) basis under phase I.  

Tajikistan's MOEWR Minister Daler Jum'a said, "A significant increase in generation is planned through the introduction of renewable energy. By 2030, the installed capacity of generating stations using solar and wind energy should be 700 MW; today, 450 MW of this is being developed by a feasibility study with the participation of international consulting companies with the financial support of international financial institutions." 

The JV MW Energy was formed in January 2022 to co-develop a pre-identified clean energy pipeline of over 8 GW in Africa and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including Tajikistan (see New RE Venture With 8 GW Initial Pipeline). 

Meanwhile, Masdar is actively pursuing renewable energy development opportunities in other Central Asian markets of Uzbekistan where it has won 900 MW solar PV capacity via competitive auctions. In May 2023, it committed to developing 2.15 GW solar, wind and 500 MWh storage in the country (see Masdar For 2 GW RE In Uzbekistan).