Voltalia Produces First Megawatt-Hours at Sarimay Solar Plant

Voltalia has announced the production of the first megawatt-hours of electricity at the 126 MW Sarimay solar power plant in Uzbekistan. The company noted that this is an important milestone towards the full commissioning of the facility, the construction of which began in May 2024 and is now nearing completion.

The Sarimay project was selected following a state tender in December 2022 and is secured by a 25-year power purchase agreement. The 180-hectare site houses over 180,000 bifacial solar panels, over 350 inverters, and a three-kilometer transmission line. Once fully commissioned, the plant will generate approximately 252 GWh per year - enough to power around 60,000 residents and prevent the emission of over 140,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

Sarimay is financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development with the support of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus. Voltalia is implementing the project at all stages - from development to engineering, procurement, and construction supervision - and will undertake operation and maintenance after the facility is commissioned.

The company reported that the project includes large-scale environmental initiatives, including the planting of 2.65 million Haloxylon persicum shrubs to restore the local ecosystem. Voltalia also supports neighboring communities, including local schools, by contributing to educational and training programs.

At the peak of construction, the site employed approximately 776 people, 85% of whom were local employees. All work was carried out in accordance with occupational health, safety, and environmental standards.

In parallel, Voltalia is developing the 500-hectare Artemisya hybrid complex. The first phase will provide 100 MW of wind generation and a 100 MW/200 MWh energy storage system by 2026. Once commissioned in late 2027, the complex will produce approximately 383 GWh per year.

Voltalia's CEO, Robert Klein, stated: "The first megawatt-hours from Sarimay marks a major achievement for Voltalia in Central Asia". He added: "Successfully completing this 126-megawatt solar project demonstrates our ability to deliver large-scale renewable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities". According to him, the Artemisya project will strengthen the company's contribution to the development of renewable energy in Uzbekistan and support the country's energy transition goals by 2030.