ACWA Power is advancing the development of its 1.5 GW Kungrad wind project in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region, following the project’s presentation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit to the region. The ceremony marked the launch and commencement of construction of several major development initiatives.
Abid Malik, President of ACWA Central Asia, highlighted the company’s expanding presence in Uzbekistan and the strategic importance of Karakalpakstan in the country’s energy transition. The Kungrad project represents an investment of approximately USD 2.6 billion and is now entering an active construction phase.
The project will include around 1,500 kilometres of high-voltage transmission infrastructure, three new 500 kV substations and the modernization of two existing substations. Once completed, Kungrad is expected to become the largest wind power project in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
ACWA Power currently has several projects operating or under construction in Karakalpakstan. The Nukus 1 and Nukus 2 projects are already generating electricity, while Kungrad is under construction. Across its projects in the region, the company has approximately 2.3 GW of capacity either operational or under construction, supported by around USD 4 billion in investment, 650 MWh of battery storage and more than 1,500 kilometres of transmission infrastructure.
These projects are expected to generate approximately 8.77 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, enough to supply around 2.4 million households. They are also projected to save approximately 2.1 billion cubic metres of natural gas and avoid nearly 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The Kungrad project is also expected to create significant local economic opportunities. Construction activity could support around 4,000 local jobs at its peak, while approximately USD 750 million is expected to be allocated toward localization, creating opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.
ACWA is also supporting workforce development in the region. Currently, 78 students from Karakalpakstan are studying at Shirin College to prepare for careers in Uzbekistan’s growing energy sector.
The company said its expanding portfolio reflects Uzbekistan’s focus on renewable generation, energy storage, transmission infrastructure, local manufacturing and skilled human resources.
