Uzbekistan has unveiled ambitious initiatives to enhance its IT sector by revealing plans to build two environmentally sustainable data centers. The centers, slated for construction in Tashkent and the Bukhara region, are set to be developed in collaboration with DATAVOLT, a company based in Saudi Arabia. This collaborative effort signifies a significant step forward in Uzbekistan's technological infrastructure development, promising advancements in data management while prioritizing eco-friendly practices.
In line with Uzbekistan's strategic vision outlined in the 'Uzbekistan – 2030' strategy, a major initiative has been announced to bolster the nation's technological landscape. This initiative encompasses a notable advancement in New Tashkent, an up-and-coming urban center tailored to accommodate 500,000 inhabitants across a sprawling 200 square kilometers. This move underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to fostering sustainable urban development and harnessing the potential of emerging technologies to drive progress.
The data center project, focusing on development and operation, is set to advance through three distinct phases, according to reports. Kicking off with a $150 million investment, the initial phase will entail constructing a Tashkent facility boasting a 10MW capacity. Following this, subsequent phases will witness the establishment of a 250MW data center in New Tashkent, alongside an expansion in Bukhara to align with this increased capacity. This phased approach underscores the project's strategic planning and commitment to scaling up Uzbekistan's technological infrastructure.
At the recently concluded Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF2024), Sherzod Shermatov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies, highlighted the partnership’s benefits, stating, “This collaboration offers great investment prospects for Saudi companies and will help attract international technology firms to Uzbekistan, enhancing our strategic position and business climate”.
During this year's forum, agreements worth $26.6 billion were inked, marking a significant surge compared to the previous year's $11 billion and $7.8 billion in 2022. Notable among these agreements is DATAVOLT's ambitious investment plans, earmarking $1 billion for urban infrastructure development and $3 billion for the establishment of a green technology-focused data center in New Tashkent. This substantial commitment reflects a growing confidence in Uzbekistan's economic potential and underscores the nation's attractiveness for foreign investment in critical sectors.