Voltalia Produces First Megawatt-Hours of Clean Energy at 126 MW Solar Power Plant in Uzbekistan

International renewable energy company Voltalia has announced the first megawatt-hours of electricity generated at its 126 MW solar power plant in the Sarimay district of Khorezm region, Uzbekistan.

Construction of the plant, which began in May 2024, is now entering its final stage, the company said, The Caspian Post informs via Uzbek media.

A Landmark Project for Uzbekistan’s Green Transition

Awarded through a public tender in December 2022, the project is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) and spans 180 hectares. It includes over 180,000 bifacial solar panels, more than 350 inverters, and a three-kilometer transmission line.

Once fully operational, the Sarimay plant will generate around 252 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually - enough to power 60,000 residents - while reducing over 140,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

International Financing and Local Impact

The project is financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with support from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus. Voltalia oversees the entire project lifecycle, from design and construction to ongoing operation and maintenance.

The Sarimay project also includes environmental and social initiatives, such as planting 2.65 million Haloxylon persicum shrubs and implementing education and workforce programs for the local community. At its construction peak, 776 workers were employed - 85 per cent of them local residents - under strict health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.

Next Step: The Artemisya Renewable Complex

Building on Sarimay’s success, Voltalia is preparing to launch its next major venture - the Artemisya complex, a 500-hectare hybrid renewable energy site. Its first phase, scheduled for construction in 2026, will include 100 MW of wind power and an energy storage system of 100 MW / 200 MWh, with commissioning expected by the end of 2027. Once operational, Artemisya will generate around 383 gigawatt-hours annually, further boosting Uzbekistan’s clean energy portfolio.

Voltalia CEO Robert Klein commented:

“The first megawatt-hours from Sarimay mark an important milestone for Voltalia in Central Asia. The successful execution of the project demonstrates our ability to deliver large-scale renewable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities. We will continue this progress with the Artemisya project, further strengthening Uzbekistan’s renewable energy potential and supporting the country’s energy transition goals toward 2030.”

With projects like Sarimay and Artemisya, Uzbekistan continues establishing itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, accelerating its shift toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.