Grid Integration of Uzbekistan's First Utility-Scale Wind Farm: The Zarafshan Project

Аннотация

This paper presents a technical analysis of the grid integration of the Zarafshan Wind Farm — the first utility-scale wind energy project in Uzbekistan. Developed by Masdar under a Power Purchase Agreement with the Government of Uzbekistan, the 500 MW facility comprises 111 Goldwind Permanent Magnet Direct Drive (PMDD) turbines interconnected at 220 kV to the national transmission grid. The study examines key aspects of grid integration including reactive power management, power factor control, voltage regulation, and compliance with Uzbekistan's grid codes. Operational SCADA data and performance metrics are analyzed to evaluate capacity factor, availability, and energy yield. Challenges encountered during commissioning and early operation are described along with mitigation strategies. The Zarafshan project is positioned as a reference case for future renewable energy integration in Central Asia.