ACWA breaks ground on green-hydrogen project in Uzbekistan

2006

Saudi-listed ACWA Power, one of the world’s largest private water desalination companies, leader in energy transition, and first mover into green hydrogen, has broken ground on the first phase of a 3,000 metric-ton-per-year green-hydrogen project in Uzbekistan.

The project was inaugurated by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of Uzbekistan; and His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment, Saudi Arabia. The event was attended by the Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, the Ministry of Finance, governor of Syrdarya region, and Uztransgaz chairman; and Mohammad Abunayyan, founder and chairman of ACWA Power.

Uzbekistan and ACWA Power officials at the project groundbreaking. (Courtesy: ACWA Power)

“We are honored that the leadership of Uzbekistan has bestowed their trust in our capabilities to develop the country’s first green hydrogen project,” Abunayyan said. “This marks a significant milestone in the history of Uzbekistan’s energy revolution, and ACWA Power is honored to be leading the charge. I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of these projects and reaffirm our enduring commitment to continue our collaboration and investment in Uzbekistan’s bright, sustainable future.”

The project will be developed in two phases: The first phase, a 3,000-metric-ton green ammonia pilot project, is already underway following the signing of the hydrogen purchase and power purchase agreements in May 2023. Once the second phase is complete, 2.4 GW of wind energy will power the production of 500,000 metric tons of green ammonia per year.

When completed in full, this will be ACWA Power’s second utility-scale green-hydrogen project after the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia, which is a joint venture between ACWA Power, NEOM, and Air Products. Uzbekistan is ACWA Power’s second-largest market in terms of investments, underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to the country with a portfolio including 12 projects, 11 of which are fully-renewable.

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