A consortium of Chinese companies will construct a 500-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in the Forish district of the Jizzakh region, as part of Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy and reduce reliance on natural gas.

A presidential decree has authorized the project, which includes the construction of the solar plant and an accompanying overhead power transmission network. The initiative is aimed at enhancing energy supply for both the public and private sectors, while supporting the country’s long-term “green economy” strategy.

The plant will be implemented by Huadian Jizzakh Solar Power (project company) a project company established by China Electrical Equipment International and China Huadian Overseas The total direct investment for the project is estimated at 2.08 billion Chinese yuan.

Under the agreement, the Chinese investors will design, finance, construct, and operate the facility. Uzenergosotish will purchase the electricity generated on a guaranteed basis over 25 years, providing long-term revenue assurance for the investors.

For the project’s implementation, 991.1 hectares of pasture land in the Forish district will be reclassified from agricultural to industrial use, ensuring the necessary infrastructure development.

This project follows the signing of an investment agreement in April 2025 during the inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum, where Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade inked several deals to accelerate green energy development. Among these was the agreement with China’s Liquip International to build another 500 MW solar plant in the same region.

Earlier in February 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev had called for an accelerated rollout of alternative energy projects. Dissatisfied with current progress, he urged the launch of 14 solar and wind power plants and two pumped storage facilities within two to three months. 

Uzbekistan has seen significant growth in energy production, with a 30% increase in electricity output over the past five years, reaching 81.5bn kilowatt-hours. The government also plans to build 1,185 microhydropower plants with a combined capacity of 65 MW by 2025.