TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 17. Uzbekistan’s Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC) is implementing a three-year road map toward the expanded use of renewable energy to power its operations, the NMMC told Trend.
The $450 million program is in line with Uzbekistan’s efforts to boost the share of renewable energy to 40 percent of the country’s total power generation by 2030.
The NMMC erected 5750 kW of solar panels at 21 important industrial sites in the first half of 2024, generating up to 9.7 million kWh annually.
The company is further advancing its renewable energy program through the construction of a 500 MW solar power facility near its operations in the Tomdi district of the Navoi region, set to be completed in two phases: during the first phase, with a capacity of 220 MW and annual power generation of 374 million kWh is scheduled to be launched in the fourth quarter of this year. During the second phase, with a 280 MW capacity and annual generation of 476 million kWh, it will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The renewable energy investment program, along with the kickoff of the solar power station, is set to crank out around one billion kWh each year, which is a hefty 21.4 percent of the company’s yearly consumption.
In addition to power generation, NMMC is harnessing the sun’s energy to heat water, thereby reducing consumption from other energy sources. With the aid of 4,993 solar water heaters, the NMMC can fully supply its hot water needs during the summer months, conserving an estimated 1.7 million cubic meters of natural gas per year.
“NMMC is committed to sustainable development and to doing its part to contribute to the global transition to renewable sources of energy. By investing in renewable energy now, we have an opportunity to lower operating costs over the long term and to reduce pollution, while also ensuring a greener future for our communities,” First Deputy CEO for Transformation at NMMC Eugeny Antonov said.