AIIB Commits $500 Million to enhance Tajikistan’s hydropower potential

AIIB approves $500M program to boost regional energy security with hydropower in Tajikistan, addressing growing demand and promoting renewable energy in Central Asia.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced about approval of a multiphase programme with a total financing of $500 million to enhance regional energy security and promote renewable energy in Central Asia.

Cofinanced with a global consortium of donors, including the World Bank, the programme aims to enhance the supply of clean, affordable, climate-resilient hydroelectricity for Tajikistan and the broader Central Asia region. Central Asia’s energy demand is expected to grow by 40% by 2030 and triple by 2050, meaning the region urgently requires the development of renewable energy, reads the Bank’s statement. 

“Investing in sustainable energy infrastructure is not merely about meeting today’s demands, but about empowering future generations with clean, reliable power that drives transformative growth, strengthens resilience and unlocks the full potential of the region,”- said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB Chief Investment Officer.

The programme supports the construction of a hydropower plant on the Vakhsh River (a tributary of the Amu Darya River) that is 110 km from Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. With a designed generation capacity of 3,780 MW, the Rogun HPP is expected to improve electricity supply to about 10 million people in Tajikistan, alleviating persistent winter power shortages.

The large reservoir with a total reservoir capacity of 13.3km3 can supply firm energy during the winter season and provide reliable electricity to meet growing domestic demands at an affordable cost. Furthermore, it has the potential to export clean energy to Central Asian countries, generating significant export revenue for many years to come. 

Tajikistan is ranked eighth in the world for hydropower potential, but only about 4% of this potential is currently exploited. The Rogun HPP is set to play a critical role in decarbonizing electricity grids across Central Asia.

Copied