EBRD, EU allocate 43 mln euros to Tajikistan for modernization of energy infrastructure

DUSHANBE. Dec 5 (Interfax) - The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) have allocated 43 million euros to Tajikistan's state energy distribution company Shabakahoi Taqsimoti Barq (STB) for modernizing infrastructure.

"The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is helping to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of Tajikistan's electricity distribution network by organizing a financing package of up to 43 million euros for Shabakahoi Taqsimoti Barq (STB) [...] The EBRD is providing a sovereign loan of up to 28 million euros, which will be supported by a European Union (EU) investment grant of 15 million euros under the EU's Asia Pacific Investment Facility," the EBRD's Tajikistan branch was quoted as saying by Tajik information agency Asia-Plus.

The funding is expected to help modernize STB's billing and electricity meter infrastructure in nine towns across Tajikistan's Sughd and Khatlon provinces.

"The existing electricity distribution infrastructure in those two regions is characterised by ageing equipment, high electricity losses and ineffective billing systems, which are undermining the company's financial performance and efficiency," the agency wrote.

The project will also support the digitalization measures taken by STB, for example, the implementation of cybersecurity measures to protect the power grid.