First megawatt-hours delivered by Sarimay Solar, a 126-megawatt solar plant in Uzbekistan

Core Insights - Voltalia has successfully delivered the first megawatt-hours from its 126-megawatt solar power plant in Sarimay, Uzbekistan, marking a significant milestone towards full commissioning of the site [1][5] - The Sarimay project, awarded through a public tender, is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement and will generate approximately 252 gigawatt-hours annually, enough to power 60,000 residents and avoid over 140,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year [1][2] Project Details - The Sarimay solar plant spans 180 hectares and includes more than 180,000 bifacial solar panels, over 350 inverters, and a three-kilometer transmission line [1] - The project was financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with support from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus, with Voltalia overseeing all aspects from development to operations [2] Environmental and Social Impact - The Sarimay project includes initiatives to restore local ecosystems, such as planting 2.65 million Haloxylon persicum shrubs, and supports local communities through educational programs [3] - At the peak of construction, approximately 776 workers were mobilized, with 85% being local, ensuring compliance with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards [3] Future Developments - Following the success of Sarimay, Voltalia is developing a second project in Uzbekistan, the Artemisya hybrid complex, which will include 100 megawatts of wind power and 200 megawatt-hours of storage, with construction set to begin in 2026 [4] - The Artemisya project is expected to generate around 383 gigawatt-hours annually, further enhancing Uzbekistan's renewable energy capacity [4] Company Overview - Voltalia operates in the renewable energy sector, producing and selling electricity from various sources, including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and storage, with a total capacity of 3.3 GW in operation and under construction [6] - The company has a project portfolio totaling 17.4 GW and provides comprehensive services to support renewable energy projects from design to maintenance [6][7] - Voltalia employs over 2,000 people across 20 countries and is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris [8][9]