Central Asia's First Wind Farm With Large-Scale Batteries Nears Completion
Uzbekistan's Nukus 2 project integrates wind generation with battery storage to stabilize national grid.
1Pioneering Renewable Energy Integration
The Nukus 2 wind farm in northwestern Uzbekistan represents a regional milestone as Central Asia's first facility combining wind generation with large-scale battery storage. Located in Karakalpakstan, the project features 26 turbines and a 100 megawatt-hour battery system. This integration aims to solve grid instability caused by fluctuating renewable energy sources.
2Operational Status and Capacity
As of late October, 25 of the 26 wind turbines are already supplying electricity to the national grid. The facility is designed to generate approximately 728,000 megawatt-hours annually. Once fully operational, the project is expected to meet the electricity needs of more than 300,000 people across the region, significantly boosting local capacity.
3Battery Storage Technical Function
The battery system is currently undergoing rigorous safety and fire-protection commissioning tests. It provides short-term support, capable of supplying electricity for three to four hours depending on demand levels. This mechanism allows grid operators to store excess power during peak wind generation and release it when consumer demand inevitably increases.
4International Financial Framework
The €232 million project is supported by a consortium of international lenders, including the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. A 25-year power purchase agreement ensures that Uzbekistan's national grid operator will buy the generated electricity. This commercial structure provides long-term stability for private investment in renewable energy.
5Global Context of Storage
The project aligns with a global surge in energy storage adoption. Worldwide, new battery storage capacity grew by 40% in 2025, reaching 108 gigawatts. Large-scale installations in Europe more than doubled during the same period, highlighting a universal shift toward battery-backed renewable grids to mitigate the inherent intermittency of wind and solar.
6Local Economic and Social Impact
Construction of the facility created significant employment, engaging between 750 and 800 workers, with over 400 being local specialists. Project managers emphasize that local staff are increasingly assuming management roles. Furthermore, social managers have implemented procedures to address community complaints and provide compensation for those affected by the construction of the site.
7Infrastructure and Grid Upgrades
Beyond the turbines and batteries, the project includes a new 44-kilometre transmission line and essential upgrades to existing electrical infrastructure. These improvements are critical for connecting the facility to the national grid. Such technical enhancements ensure the efficient distribution of power and reduce the risk of interruptions for the end consumers.
8Future Completion and Outlook
The developer aims to finalize the commissioning of the battery system by the end of November 2026. This will mark the full operational status of the facility. As Uzbekistan pursues multiple renewable projects, this wind farm serves as a template for balancing energy supply and demand in developing national power networks.