The aim of the proposed Samarkand Solar Power Project is to increase renewable energy generation in Uzbekistan. The Project is focused on the construction of a large-scale grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Samarkand province.

The expected impact of the Project is the installation of the largest PV plant in Central Asia, serving as a reference for future installations. The expected outcome of the Project is an increase in renewable energy production, increased know-how in PV power plant operation and improved energy security and power production in Uzbekistan.

The project outputs included the construction of a PV power plant in Samarkand province based on crystalline technology and a fixed-tilt structure. The expected annual output of the PV plant was higher than 150 GWh, with the capacity to cover approximately 5% of the previously identified electricity generation requirements.

The project also included capacity-building activities aimed at increasing know-how regarding PV power plant operational requirements and grid integration.

Within the assignment, DEEX conducted due diligence on land acquisition for the construction of the PV power plant and provided recommendations on whether the proposed project would require land acquisition and a Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP).

DEEX prepared the LARP in accordance with the ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (2009), assisted the ADB mission team, collaborated with other PPTA consultants undertaking due diligence and supporting the ADB project team, and participated in the ADB fact-finding mission.

The assignment also included translation of safeguards documents from English into Russian and Uzbek.