The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and partners have signed a deal to build two massive solar power plants with battery storage in Uzbekistan – the largest renewable energy project in Central Asia, ADB announced. The Samarkand 1 and 2 Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System projects will add 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity and about 1,336 megawatt-hours of battery storage across the Samarkand and Bukhara regions.
ADB President Masato Kanda says the plants demonstrate what partnership and innovation can deliver—reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy while cutting emissions. “By combining technical ambition with financial ingenuity, the collaboration sets a strong precedent for Central Asia’s clean energy transition,” he said. Once running, the projects will supply clean electricity to around 600,000 households and cut about 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
ADB arranged a $140 million financing package, including $70 million from its own resources, $10 million from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2, and $60 million in syndicated loans. The bank will also provide up to $85 million in credit guarantees backed by the Uzbek government, helping to pull in more than $1.2 billion in total private and partner capital.
ADB is serving as environmental and social coordinator, making sure the power plants meet high standards for environmental protection and community engagement. International partners in the financing group include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic Development Bank, and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Commercial banks joining under Japan’s export insurance cover include Standard Chartered Bank, The Norinchukin Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and KfW IPEX-Bank.
The projects will also build transmission lines and two new substations to strengthen grid stability. This year marks 30 years since Uzbekistan joined ADB, receiving $14.6 billion in public sector loans, grants, and technical help since 1995.
