ACWA Power Commissions 501 MWh Battery Storage Project In Uzbekistan

ACWA Power has officially started commercial operations of its large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Uzbekistan, marking a major step in the country’s renewable energy transition. The announcement was confirmed through a filing on the Saudi stock exchange, highlighting progress at the Riverside Solar project in the Tashkent region.

The Riverside Solar project has two key components. The first is a 200-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant, referred to as Plant 1. The second, now operational, is Plant 2, a battery energy storage facility with a capacity of 501 megawatt-hours. ACWA Power holds full ownership of the project company managing this integrated renewable energy complex. The project has been implemented in coordination with the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan to ensure alignment with national power sector requirements and grid standards.

The commissioning of the 501 MWh battery system is an important development for Uzbekistan’s energy sector. The country has been rapidly increasing its renewable energy capacity, especially solar power. However, solar generation is intermittent and depends on sunlight availability. Electricity production can vary during cloudy weather or at night, which creates challenges for maintaining grid stability. Large-scale battery storage systems help address this issue by storing excess electricity produced during peak sunlight hours and supplying it back to the grid when demand rises or solar output drops.

By combining a 200 MW solar plant with a high-capacity battery system, the Riverside Solar complex can provide more reliable and flexible power. The battery enhances grid stability, improves energy management, and reduces the risk of supply disruptions. This integrated approach supports Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to modernize its electricity infrastructure and strengthen energy security.

The project also reflects Uzbekistan’s goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the share of clean energy in its power mix. Advanced storage solutions are becoming essential as countries move toward higher levels of renewable energy integration. The Riverside Solar project demonstrates how pairing renewable generation with storage can create a more balanced and resilient energy system.

For ACWA Power, the project reinforces its global presence in renewable energy and energy storage. The successful commissioning of the BESS in Uzbekistan highlights the company’s capability to deliver complex clean energy projects in emerging markets. As Uzbekistan continues to expand its renewable capacity, the Riverside Solar project is expected to play a key role in ensuring a stable, efficient, and sustainable power supply in the coming years.