UAE Expedition Boosts Energy Relations with Uzbekistan
Strategic partnerships and ventures in the sphere of renewable energy
In a significant stride towards strengthening energy relations, a high-profile UAE delegation, spearheaded by H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of ADNOC and its group of companies, along with H.E. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, visited Uzbekistan.
The delegation, which included Ambassador Dr. Saeed Matar Al Qemzi and representatives from both government and private sectors, met with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Conveying the warm greetings of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the best wishes of Dubai's ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the visit underscored the robust diplomatic ties shared by the two nations.
Seizing the momentum of this diplomatic exchange, delegation members participated in a watershed event, the launch of the Zarafshan Wind Project.
This initiative, which stands as the largest renewable energy project in Central Asia and the first utility-scale wind project in Uzbekistan, exemplifies the shared vision of both nations for a sustainable future.
With an impressive capacity of 500 MW, it promises electricity to over 500,000 homes, cutting down carbon emissions by over a million tonnes annually.
Further cementing the UAE's commitment to Uzbekistan's energy landscape, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed concerning the 'TPP1 Saffron' project.
This entails a strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi National Energy Company 'TAQA', holding a 40% stake, Mubadala with another 40%, and the Uzbekistan government at 20%, to develop a 900 MW gas-powered plant.
Meanwhile, discussions with Uzbek officials explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in oil, gas, clean energy, infrastructure, and investment opportunities, reflective of both nations' leadership's dedication to nurturing bilateral ties.
Trade relations, underscored by a non-oil trade volume that reached AED 6.8 billion in 2023, demonstrated an 84% year-on-year growth, with 2024 marking further milestones as trade surpassed AED 7.6 billion, buoyed by soaring import and export activities.
This collaboration is a pivotal step towards augmenting economic and energy synergies, in line with both countries' forward-looking agendas.