ACWA Power breaks ground on Beruniy wind + BESS project in Karakalpakstan

Saudi energy firm ACWA Power recently broke ground on the Beruniy Wind Independent Power Plant (IPP) project, in the presence of H.E. Shavket Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 

The project involves the construction of a 200 MW wind power plant along with a 100 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Beruniy Region of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. With an investment value of $260 million, it is carried out in partnership with the local utility JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU). 

Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power, commented on the project, "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", he noted. 

Once completed, the project is said to generate 800 million kWh of clean energy annually, meeting the electricity needs of approximately 292,000 households. Additionally, the project will save 212 million cubic metres of natural gas and reduce CO2 emissions by 336,000 tonnes per year, according to the developer. 

A double-circuit 220 kV power transmission line with a length of 45 km up to the Beruniy substation will complement the battery energy storage component of the project, which is expected to be ready by the last quarter of 2026.

More details are awaited on the nature of battery energy storage, its technology and partners to be involved for the project. 

Uzbekistan is ACWA Power's second-largest market in terms of investment, with 15 projects currently underway and a total investment volume of up to $15 billion. 

These projects are designed to support Uzbekistan's energy transition and sustainable development goals, in alignment with the vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to the company.