United Arab Emirates-based renewable energy company Masdar has partnered with Uzbekhydroenergo, a state-owned hydroelectric power producer in Uzbekistan, to evaluate the potential of national hydroelectric power storage projects.

Their collaboration aims to enhance Uzbekistan’s renewable energy capacity and address supply challenges.

The companies will study the feasibility of constructing pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants in the country.

Pumped hydroelectric storage offers a steady and dependable energy storage solution that can function at a utility scale.

The agreement marks Masdar’s inaugural venture into pumped hydropower storage.

The move aligns with the company’s expansion strategy and its commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives globally.

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jamil Al Ramahi stated: “Today’s announcement is the latest manifestation of our expanding participation in Uzbekistan’s clean energy development journey.

“Uzbekistan is a key strategic focus for Masdar and we are proud to expand our involvement in pumped storage hydropower as part of our wide-ranging efforts to help the country meet its climate goals across all viable renewable energy sources.”

Uzbekhydroenergo board first deputy chairman Fozil Makhmudov stated: “Today we are actively starting to implement projects for the construction of new hydroelectric power stations, pumped storage power plants, modernisation of existing hydroelectric power stations, improvement of infrastructure and attraction of investments in this area. This event opens a new page in the development of hydropower.”

In December 2023, Masdar initiated renewable energy projects with a combined 1.4GW of capacity in Uzbekistan.

The projects were the Zarafshan wind farm and three solar facilities in Jizzakh, Samarkand and Sherabad.

In May 2023, Masdar also signed a joint development agreement with the country’s Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade.

The agreement outlined the development of 2GW of renewable energy and 500 megawatt-hours of combined solar, wind and battery storage projects.