Acwa Power has broken ground for the 200MW Beruniy wind power plant and a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The project, with an investment value of $260m, is a partnership with JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU).

The Beruniy Wind Power Plant will generate 800 million kilowatt hours ( kWh) of clean energy annually, sufficient to meet the electricity requirements of 292,000 households.

The initiative is projected to save 212 million cubic metres of natural gas and reduce CO₂ emissions by 336,000 tonnes annually.

ACWA Power’s plans include building a 45km double-circuit 220kV power transmission line to the Beruniy substation and developing a 100MW energy storage system.

The project will be commercially operational by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Uzbekistan represents ACWA Power’s second-largest market in terms of investment, with 15 projects in progress and a cumulative investment volume of $15bn.

ACWA Power board of directors founder and chairman Mohammad Abunayyan stated: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev for leading the groundbreaking ceremony of this pivotal project that marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“This project represents not only our commitment to sustainable energy development but also our shared vision for a prosperous future.

“Together, we are paving the way for transformative solutions that will empower communities, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Uzbekistan. We are honoured to be part of this important journey.”

In July 2024, ACWA Power finalised the sale of a 35% ownership interest in its two Asian subsidiaries, ACWA Power Bash Wind Project Holding and ACWA Power Uzbekistan Wind Project Holding, to China Southern Power Grid International (HK).