Massive Uzbek Wind Farm
ACWA Power Begins Construction on Massive 1.5 GW Wind Farm in Uzbekistan
Anonymous
Key Points
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The Kungrad wind project represents an estimated investment of approximately $2.6 billion, according to ACWA Power’s Central Asia leadership.
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Construction of Kungrad could support around 4,000 local jobs at its peak, while approximately $750 million is expected to be directed toward localization and local business opportunities.
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President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan’s share of green energy had reached 40% in a short period, attributing the progress to the country’s people and broader energy-sector transformation.
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ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in Qudra One for Electricity Company, the project company developing the Qassim 1 combined-cycle power plant in Saudi Arabia.
ACWA Power has begun construction of the 1.5-gigawatt Kungrad wind farm in Uzbekistan's Karakalpakstan region, a project expected to become the largest wind facility in the Commonwealth of Independent States. ACWA Power estimates the investment at approximately $2.6 billion and says the facility will generate 8.77 billion kilowatt-hours annually once complete.
The massive project includes a 300-megawatt battery storage system and about 1,500 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan's renewable energy share has reached 40% in a short period, crediting the country's people and energy-sector transformation for the rapid progress.
A $2.6 Billion Wind Megaproject for Central Asia
The Kungrad wind farm represents one of the largest renewable energy investments in Central Asia. ACWA Power says construction could create around 4,000 local jobs at peak activity. The company plans to direct approximately $750 million toward localization and opportunities for local businesses.
The facility includes three 500-kilovolt switching stations and upgrades to two existing substations. Combined with ACWA's other Karakalpakstan projects—the operational Nukus-1 and Nukus-2 facilities—the portfolio will total about 2.3 gigawatts of capacity.
Grid Infrastructure and Battery Storage Reshape Uzbekistan's Power System
The Kungrad project includes a 300-megawatt battery storage system designed to smooth power output and stabilize the electrical grid. This storage capacity allows wind power to be dispatched when needed rather than when the wind blows hardest.
The transmission network—including 1,500 kilometers of high-voltage lines—will connect the wind farm to Uzbekistan's broader power system. These upgrades support the country's goal of expanding clean electricity generation rapidly while maintaining grid reliability.
Emissions and Gas Savings From Renewable Energy Expansion
The Kungrad wind farm and ACWA's full Karakalpakstan portfolio will displace significant natural gas consumption. ACWA Power has not disclosed exact emissions reduction figures, but renewable energy typically replaces gas-fired generation in Uzbekistan's energy mix.
Uzbekistan has made renewable energy a priority as part of its broader energy-sector transformation. The 40% renewable share President Mirziyoyev cited reflects rapid progress from near zero just a few years ago.
ACWA Reaches Commercial Operations Milestone at Saudi Arabia Power Plant
ACWA Power has received an initial commercial-operation certificate for 1,283 megawatts of the 1,896-megawatt Qassim 1 combined-cycle power plant in Saudi Arabia. The company owns 40% of the project company, Qudra One for Electricity Company.
Financial benefits from the Qassim 1 project are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The facility represents ACWA's continued expansion of power generation capacity across the Middle East and Central Asia.
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