Tajikistan revamps energy system

Tajikistan is due to receive a US$141mn overhaul of its electricity system to boost energy trading with neighbouring countries.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is offering the bulk funding by providing a US$122mn grant to the Tajikistan regional power transmission project for the construction of two 220-kilovolt lines, as well as the renovation of existing Soviet-era lines.

Furthermore, state-owned utility company Barki Tojik will undergo restructurings to improve operational capabilities in planning, maintenance, service quality and financial management.

Tajikistan’s government and Barki Tojik will provide the remaining US$19mn for the project, which is expected to be completed by February 2015.

The bulk of Tajikistan’s energy comes from hydropower which results in surpluses during the summer but shortfalls during winter. This project will combat this and increase energy trading opportunities with neighbouring Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Levan Mtchedlishvili, energy specialist in ADB’s central and west Asia team, says: “The project will increase energy security and efficiency and improve the operational effectiveness of the state utility firm, as well as contributing to increased regional trade in power.”