Tajikistan plans to increase its electricity generation capacity to 10,000 MW by 2030

DUSHANBE. June 24 (Interfax) - Tajikistan plans to increase its electricity generation capacity to 10 GW by 2030, Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma said.

"In accordance with Tajikistan's national development strategy through 2030, it is necessary to increase electricity generation capacity to 10 GW, increase electricity exports to 10 billion kWh [per year], reduce electricity losses to 10%, and ensure 10 % of available capacity from other energy sources (solar, wind and others)," the minister said, speaking at the regional Prospects for the Development of Energy Generated from Renewable Sources in the Republic of Tajikistan conference on Monday in Dushanbe.

He said that 36 investment projects have been implemented in the country's energy industry since 2001, attracting $2.7 billion, which were invested in the construction of new energy capacities, construction and reconstruction of electric power facilities.

"Currently, another 18 investment projects worth $1.5 billion are underway. In order to achieve key industry goals by 2030, it is planned to implement a number of priority projects of local and regional importance, including large hydropower projects and the widespread use of renewable energy sources (solar and wind) with a capacity of at least 1,500 MW," the minister said.

Juma said that about 98% of the country's electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants every year. Along with the positive environmental and financial aspects this method of generating electricity brings, it significantly increases the industry's dependence on the volume of water flow in the country's rivers and the weather situation in the context of climate change. In this regard, and in order to achieve one of the national development strategy's key indicators, namely the diversification of energy capacities, cooperation with partners in the construction of solar power plants is continuing.