ACWA Power, a Saudi-listed company and the world’s largest private water desalination company, has successfully installed the first wind turbine for its 500MW Bash wind farm project, located in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan.

The wind turbine generator (WTG) manufactured by Envision is the largest of its kind in Central Asia with a capacity of 6.5MW.

The installation of the wind turbine and generator was carried out by the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC).

Remarking on the announcement, ACWA Power’s Chief Portfolio Management Officer (CPMO) Mr. Kashif Rana, said that, “The successful installation of the first turbine on the Bash wind farm is just one of the many milestones that we are excited to mark on this project. Most importantly, the steady progress takes us closer to supporting and contributing to Uzbekistan’s long-term ambitions to increase the share of renewables in their energy mix.”

When complete in the first quarter of 2025, the Bash wind farm will include 79 wind turbine generators (WTG) and is expected to generate more than 1,650 GWh of electricity annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 750 tons per year. ACWA Power has a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan for the project.

ACWA Power boasts an impressive portfolio of 10 projects in Uzbekistan, with a combined investment value of $7.5 billion. The company’s continued investments and partnerships underline its dedication to the sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s energy landscape, promoting economic growth, and advancing the country’s renewable energy goals.