ABU DHABI: Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, has signed an agreement with the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Energy to develop a pipeline of renewable projects in the Central Asian nation, with a capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW), starting with a 200-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant.

The implementation agreement was signed by HE Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich, Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and Mohamed Jamel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. The 200 MW plant is scheduled to begin operation by 2026.

Ibraev Taalaibek Omukeevich, Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, said: “Today, the energy system of the Kyrgyz Republic faces challenges meeting the significant demand for electricity from all categories of consumers with our existing resources. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan has good solar energy potential. The successful implementation of projects to develop solar power plants of up to 1 GW capacity will help to ensure our nation’s energy security. The large-scale development of the renewable energy system will also help to improve employment, living conditions and energy supply for the population of the republic, reduce poverty in rural areas, and improve the level of education, as well as introduce new modern technologies.”

Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “Masdar has considerable experience in Central Asia and we will leverage our expertise to support the Kyrgyz Republic’s clean energy objectives. Kyrgyzstan is blessed with abundant solar resources and we see this 200 MW plant being the first of a number of projects that will support the nation’s goals on emissions reductions, while increasing clean energy access and security.” ​