_BIOGRAPHY Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi is CEO of TAQA Water Solutions, bringing over 20 years of experience driving strategic growth in the UAE's industrial and utilities sectors. His leadership shapes sustainable water solutions, fosters community impact, and supports industrial growth. As Chairman of E7 Group and Board Member at Emarat Petroleum Corporation, he also champions operational excellence and transformative projects across the UAE.

“WE’RE COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING UZBEKISTAN’S MODERNISATION AND GROWTH JOURNEY WITH INNOVATIVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.”

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S VISION IN UZBEKISTAN, AND HOW DOES IT ALIGN WITH THE COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT GOALS?

At TAQA Water Solutions, our vision is to help shape a sustainable future for Uzbekistan by delivering innovative, low-carbon water infrastructure that improves quality of life and ensures long-term water security. We’re committed to supporting Uzbekistan’s modernisation and growth journey, serving as a bridge between world-class expertise and Uzbekistan’s ambitious goals. Our focus is on turning collaboration agreements into impactful projects that address critical needs and foster mutual prosperity.

Our advanced wastewater technologies and award-winning recycled water initiatives show our dedication to transforming the water treatment sector, reducing environmental impact, and delivering economic benefits. Since 2016, our recycled water efforts have cut Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 30%, earning us the “Water Reuse Project of the Year” award at the Global Water Awards 2024.

Currently, we are progressing two transformative water infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan, providing tailored solutions to meet economic and environmental needs. These include the planned $1 billion Tashkent Wastewater Treatment Plant, set to be the city’s largest and serve 3 million residents by 2030, and a $544 million, 65-kilometre raw water transmission pipeline and water treatment plant, which will deliver clean drinking water to around two million people and support industrial use by 2035.

These projects contribute directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Leveraging our global expertise and innovative solutions, we’re proud to play a pivotal role in Uzbekistan’s sustainable development and improving community well-being.

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WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE UZBEK MARKET, AND HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS THE PROGRESS AND IMPACT OF YOUR WORK TO DATE?

TAQA Water Solutions was drawn to Uzbekistan by its commitment to sustainable development and proactive approach to foreign investment. The country’s clear vision for modernisation and a supportive regulatory environment create an ideal opportunity to build essential infrastructure for a rapidly growing population.

We saw this as a chance to leverage our expertise and contribute to a brighter future, exemplified by TAQA’s plan to invest in and operate an existing gas-fired power station in Uzbekistan and explore developing a new one, alongside Masdar’s Nur Navoi Solar project. Both initiatives support the country’s energy diversification, emissions reduction and energy security.

TAQA Water Solutions’ initiatives in Uzbekistan are progressing as planned. Although still in negotiation and planning stages, they reflect our shared commitment to providing critical water and wastewater solutions using advanced technologies and best practices to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency.

We are working closely with the Uzbek government and key stakeholders to ensure these projects meet the needs of the communities they serve. Once operational, they will significantly improve access to clean drinking water and wastewater management for nearly five million residents, enhancing public health and community well-being.

By integrating sustainable design and advanced technologies, we support Uzbekistan’s climate resilience goals and help build a more environmentally responsible future. We are proud to be a trusted partner in Uzbekistan’s journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.

WHAT MAKES YOUR RECENT PROJECTS UNIQUE IN TERMS OF SCALE, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT?

The New Tashkent City Water Infrastructure project stands out for its scale, innovation, and impact, supporting a brighter future for the people of New Tashkent City. It is an integral part of the Uzbekistan government’s ambitious economic development plans, which aim to increase GDP per capita from $2,200 to $4,000 and raise urbanisation from just over 50% to 60% by 2030. By delivering clean drinking water to about two million residents and supporting industrial uses, this project ensures a sustainable water supply that is critical for the city’s rapid growth.

The proposed state-of-the-art water treatment facility will use advanced technologies to meet international standards. The 65-kilometre pipeline is designed to transport 550,000 cubic meters of water daily and generate up to 20 megawatts of hydroelectric power, significantly boosting energy efficiency and sustainability. Beyond reliable water supply with a lower carbon footprint, investment in this project will support socioeconomic development by creating local jobs and opportunities for local companies in the supply chain.

HOW IS TAQA WATER SOLUTIONS BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY WITH INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY IN SUCH LARGE-SCALE URBAN PROJECTS?

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TAQA Water Solutions balances environmental sustainability with infrastructure delivery through a multifaceted approach. We are committed to minimising environmental impact and contributing to long-term sustainability. Our approach to delivering leading water solutions is built on three pillars: thorough assessment, innovation, and proactive collaboration. At every project stage, we conduct thorough environmental impact assessments aligned with international best practices to safeguard ecosystems.

We actively use advanced sustainable water treatment and monitoring technologies that meet or exceed global water quality standards, reducing the carbon footprint of water infrastructure and supporting the UAE’s net-zero goals.

Collaboration is also essential. We work closely with local authorities, international partners, and sustainability experts to ensure each project is future-ready, delivering reliable infrastructure today while preserving environmental integrity for generations to come.

By integrating assessments, sustainable technologies, and partnerships, TAQA Water Solutions delivers environmentally responsible projects that contribute to a more resilient, prosperous future and improved quality of life.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR FOOTPRINT IN THE COUNTRY EXPANDING OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

The groundwork laid by other UAE industry leaders like TAQA, Masdar, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) in Uzbekistan provides a strong foundation for our expansion. Our success in the UAE shows our ability to deliver innovative, scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs of growing economies. TAQA Group’s current investments in Uzbekistan’s energy sector, along with Masdar’s pioneering renewable energy projects, create a path for integrated solutions that address both water and energy needs.

Beyond Tashkent, we see tremendous potential across Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region. Our ambitions already include early-stage explorations in Kazakhstan, where we have signed a collaboration agreement with the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund (KIDF) to identify opportunities for rehabilitating existing treatment plants and developing new sustainable water infrastructure.

As part of our growing international presence, TAQA Water Solutions is forging global partnerships to share our innovative water solutions. We are also exploring opportunities in agriculture, industrial water reuse, and renewable energy integration. We see our work in Uzbekistan as a critical foundation for supporting Central Asia’s sustainable future.

WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR TAQA WATER SOLUTIONS IN CENTRAL ASIA, AND HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE WATER SECURITY AND URBAN GROWTH?

We see immense potential in the region, and we aim to unlock it. Our vision for TAQA Water Solutions in Central Asia is to become a leading force in shaping a future where water security and sustainable urban development go hand in hand. We see an opportunity to grow our business and support the region’s water security and urban development goals by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, from advanced membrane filtration to smart water management systems. This includes water recycling and reuse systems that reduce stress on natural resources, lower carbon emissions, and create new economic opportunities.

Strategic partnerships with governments, communities, and international organizations are central to our approach. By drawing on the expertise of the wider TAQA Group and leveraging international partnerships—from France to Japan and Central Asia—we can deliver projects that meet the demand for sustainable water solutions and benefit communities and industries. TAQA Water Solutions is committed to fostering sustainable urban development, valuing natural resources, enhancing socio-economic growth, and contributing to the circular economy, empowering the water sector to tackle global water scarcity.