On March 25th, marking the Nauruz Festival, Central Asia’s most revered traditional celebration, the Rocky Energy Storage Project in Andijan Prefecture, Uzbekistan, invested and constructed by China Energy Construction, inaugurated with a grand ceremony. Present at the event were Mirza Makhmudov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Lin Xiaodan, Chairman of China Energy Construction Gezhouba Overseas Investment Co., Ltd., Abdullah Khmonov, Governor of Andijan Prefecture, and other dignitaries, who delivered speeches. The initiation of this large-scale energy storage project between China and Uzbekistan signals a novel chapter in China-Central Asia energy collaboration, carrying significant implications for enhancing power supply and advancing green energy transformation throughout the region.
In his speech, Mirza Makhmudov expressed his gratitude to China Energy Engineering Corporation for its deep participation in the investment and construction of new energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan. He said that on the occasion of an important holiday in Uzbekistan, the energy storage project started as scheduled, which was a sincere gift from China Energy Construction Investment Corporation to the people of Uzbekistan with practical actions. In recent years, the comprehensive strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China has developed in depth, providing a broader space for Chinese-funded enterprises to develop in Uzbekistan. It is hoped that CEEC will use this project as a starting point, focus on the “New Uzbekistan” strategic plan, further leverage its investment advantages and green and low-carbon energy technology advantages, and bring more Chinese technologies, Chinese products, and Chinese solutions to Uzbekistan. Promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level and inject new momentum into the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative and the construction of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.
Lin Xiaodan, chairman of China Energy Construction Gezhouba Overseas Investment Co., Ltd., said that the Rocky Energy Storage Project, as an industry benchmark project, has international demonstration benefits. The smooth investment and construction of the project fully demonstrates the friendly cooperative partnership between China and Ukraine. China Energy Construction will implement the “Belt and Road” initiative with practical actions, actively participate in the construction of the “China-Uzbekistan Community with a Shared Future”, and help the transformation of “New Uzbekistan” to be realized as soon as possible.
According to the reporter’s understanding, another Oz energy storage project in Fergana State invested by China Energy Construction in Uzbekistan also broke ground on the same day. The two energy storage projects are the first batch of large-scale electrochemical energy storage new energy projects that Uzbekistan has attracted foreign investment. They are also the largest commercial energy storage projects independently invested and developed by Chinese-funded enterprises overseas, with a total investment of US$280 million. A single project configuration is 150MW/300MWh (total power 150MW, total capacity 300MWh), which can provide grid peaking capacity of 600,000 kilowatt hours per day. Electrochemical energy storage technology is an important technology and infrastructure for building new power systems. It has the functions of stabilizing the grid frequency, easing grid congestion, and improving the flexibility of power generation and consumption. It is an important support for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Lin Xiaodan pointed out in an interview with a reporter from the Economic Daily that after the project is put into operation, it will effectively promote the development of green energy in Uzbekistan, improve the stability and security of the local energy and power system, provide strong support for large-scale new energy grid integration, and provide Uzbekistan with strong support. Make positive contributions to energy transition and social and economic development.
The successful initiation of this energy storage initiative exemplifies the ongoing progress of Chinese-backed enterprises in the energy sector across Central Asia. Leveraging their comprehensive strengths throughout the entire industrial spectrum, these enterprises persistently explore regional markets and contribute to the energy transition and economic advancement of Central Asian nations. According to recent data from China Energy News, by the end of December 2023, China’s direct investment in the five Central Asian countries had surpassed $17 billion, with cumulative project contracting exceeding $60 billion. These projects span various sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, and oil and gas extraction. Taking Uzbekistan as an example, China Energy Construction has invested and contracted projects totaling $8.1 billion, encompassing not only renewable energy ventures such as wind and solar power generation but also grid modernization projects including energy storage and power transmission. Chinese-backed enterprises are systematically addressing energy supply challenges in Central Asia with “Chinese wisdom,” technology, and solutions, thus continually outlining a new blueprint for green energy transformation.
Post time: Mar-28-2024
