ADB funds Uzbekistan solar plant

Uzbekistan’s renewable energy industry is to get a boost following the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) commitment to a US$ 110 million loan for a 100 MW solar power plant in Samarkand, the capital of Samargand Province.

It is hoped the new power plant, set to be the largest of its kind in Central Asia, will promote large-scale solar energy development in the country.

Uzbekistan is one of the most energy and carbon intensive countries in the world, according to ADB. The Samarkand Solar Power Project will help tackle power outages, diversify its energy sources, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Nearly 90% of the country’s power is currently generated from fossil fuel-based plants that require major investments to replace or upgrade.

The Uzbekistan Government has announced it aims to generate 21% of the country’s power from renewable sources, including solar, by 2031.