Voltalia Strikes Deal for Artimisya Hybrid Complex in Uzebekistan

Voltalia has started the construction of the 126-megawatt Sarimay Solar power plant in Uzbekistan. Additionally, Voltalia has inked two fresh storage partnership deals: an expansion of the Sarimay complex featuring 50 megawatt / 100 megawatt-hour batteries, and the establishment of a novel 500 megawatt / 1000 megawatt-hour battery complex.

The construction of the power plant has commenced, with commissioning slated for the second half of 2025. With a capacity of 126 megawatts, this solar power facility is anticipated to prevent the emission of 116,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Secured through a power sales contract of at least 25 years, the project was awarded in 2022 via a tender managed by IFC, a subsidiary of the World Bank. Voltalia has engaged EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to finance the endeavor.

The solar power plant forms an integral part of a multi-energy complex situated in the Khorezm region, where wind and storage initiatives are presently in progress:

A framework agreement is underway for a battery storage unit, boasting a capacity of 50 megawatts / 100 megawatt-hours, with the long-term sales contract slated for signing in the summer of 2024. Construction is set to commence in 2024.

Furthermore, a detailed assessment is being conducted to explore the potential for a future 100-megawatt wind farm. Construction of the wind farm could be initiated in the medium term.

In November 2033, Voltalia inked a framework agreement covering the development, financing, construction, and maintenance of the Artimisya hybrid complex in the Bukhara region. Boasting a total capacity of 500 megawatts and supported by long-term sales contracts, this complex will integrate solar, wind, and battery storage technologies.

Sébastien Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of Voltalia, commented, “The launch of work at Sarimay and the conclusion of an agreement for a new storage complex illustrate our commitment to strengthening our presence in Uzbekistan. These initiatives demonstrate our determination to play an important role in the country’s energy transformation, offering innovative solutions that support the decarbonization and stability of the country’s electricity infrastructure. Furthermore, by offering long-term sales contracts for major national and international storage projects, Uzbekistan offers the opportunity to accelerate Voltalia’s battery storage strategy, without being exposed to fluctuations of the electricity market prices.”