The overwhelming realization that the renewable energy sector is set to become the dominant force in the global market has become all too clear in recent years. The vast majority of nations around the world are developing significantly important solar energy projects that not only provide essential energy but also help to avoid greenhouse gas emissions on an exceedingly large scale. Uzbekistan has now revealed that its new solar installation, owned and operated by Voltalia, has delivered its first electricity to the grid, marking a new future for the former soviet state.

Voltalia has delivered its first megawatt-hours of electricity to the Uzbeki grid

Voltalia, a global market leader in renewable energy production, has stated it has successfully delivered the first megawatt-hours of electricity from its new solar installation in Sarimay, in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. The company has noted that this marks an important step in the planned full commissioning of the site.

The solar project was awarded by the local government via a tender process in December 2022 and was backed by an astonishing 25-year power purchase agreement. The new solar installation features more than 180,000 bifacial solar panels, over 350 inverters, and a transmission line that spans three kilometers.

Voltalia noted in a press release that the new solar project will generate roughly 252 gigawatt-hours per year, which is more than enough to power up to 60,000 residents, as well as avoiding more than 140,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

“The first megawatt-hours from Sarimay marks a major achievement for Voltalia in Central Asia.” – Robert Klein, CEO of Voltalia

Voltalia has praised the financing provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with support from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus. The firm led the project from development through engineering, procurement, and construction, which Voltalia claims provided over 776 jobs for locals.

Voltalia is taking the local environment into consideration at the new Sarimay  solar facility

Voltalia has on numerous occasions noted its plans to balance the need for new renewable energy projects with the need to substantially reduce the impact of its projects on local fauna and flora.

The Sarimay solar facility boasts initiatives such as planting 2.65 million Haloxylon persicum shrubs to restore local ecosystems. This comes as Voltalia has noted that all operations were conducted in strict compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment standards outlined by the government, ensuring a safe working environment for locals and foreigners alike.

” Successfully completing this 126-megawatt solar project demonstrates our ability to deliver large-scale renewable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities. We are excited to build on this momentum with our upcoming Artemisya project, which will further strengthen Uzbekistan’s renewable energy capacity and support the country’s energy transition goals for 2030.” – Robert Klein, CEO of Voltalia

While nearby regions of the world explore new and exciting projects that can strengthen renewable energy production, Voltalia is betting big on Uzbekistan, as the company has plans to develop a second major solar project in the nation over the coming years, positioning Uzbekistan to become a regional leader in the solar market.

Other nations around the world have seen the solar power sector surge in recent months and years

Uzbekistan’s solar power ambitions are a welcome sight for the renewable energy market. The former soviet state was one of the few nations still doing business with Russia. The new solar power plant will enable the nation to develop its renewable energy infrastructure and become more self-reliant. Other nations are making the move to solar power as well, with Australia experiencing such a huge boom in the sector that the government has announced its plans to offer up to three hours of free electricity to residents thanks to the surge in solar power production.