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Suntech plans PV module factory in Uzbekistan

Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd is planning to build a photovoltaic module factory in Uzbekistan.

Suntech plans to manufacture photovoltaic modules for the Uzbek market and neighboring countries.

Suntech

The Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturer confirmed to pv magazine that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Uzbekistan state energy company Uzbekenergo to set the joint venture up in the Navoiy free industrial and economic zone.

A spokesperson for Suntech said that since the memorandum of understanding is for future collaboration, no further details can be released. They did say, however that the country is looking to diversify its energy sources away from traditional energy sources.

Last September, Uzbekenergo told pv magazine it is planning to install a series of photovoltaic power plants totaling 2 GW over the next several years. The majority of funds for the project will be allocated from the company’s own sources, as well as the Asian Development Bank, it added.

According to Muzaffar Mukhiddinov, head of Uzbekenergo’s department of development, the first plant is expected to be built in the Tashkent region and will have a capacity of 50 MW. Around $250 million is expected to be invested in the project. Construction of the other photovoltaic plants, meanwhile, will be commenced later.