There is significant potential for the development of cooperation between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan in the hydropower sector, Report informs, citing Tajikistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ilhom Abdurahmon.
The Ambassador recalled that about a month ago, Azerbaijan's capital hosted a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation at the level of deputy heads of government. During the event, the parties thoroughly reviewed the energy sector and the prospects for involving Azerbaijani businesses in the implementation of projects in Tajikistan.
"The Tajik side is always ready to attract new investors, primarily from Azerbaijan. We are confident that the initiatives we have prepared and need financing will be of interest to Azerbaijani businessmen. We are open to mutually beneficial cooperation," Abdurahmon said.
The diplomat drew attention to the fact that Tajikistan has huge renewable energy resources. "More than 98% of our electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants. This is the most environmentally friendly and economically viable method. Soon we will be able to increase the volume of green energy exports abroad. Currently, two large facilities are operating: the Nurek hydroelectric power station, built in Soviet times and recently modernised, and the Rogun hydroelectric power station, with a designed capacity of 3,600 MW, which is currently under construction," the Ambassador explained.
Abdurahmon added that, under existing agreements, electricity is exported to neighbouring countries – Afghanistan and Uzbekistan – during the summer months, and supplies to Kyrgyzstan are set to begin in the near future.
"In addition, the CASA‑1000 initiative is being implemented, which envisages the transit of electricity through Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to Pakistan. Construction of transmission lines in Afghanistan is nearing completion, after which clean energy will be supplied directly to Pakistani consumers. There are also plans for the western direction. It is known that Kazakhstan, together with Azerbaijan, is exploring the possibility of laying a submarine cable across the Caspian Sea. If the energy systems of Central Asian states are interconnected, integration of our networks will be seamless. Then there will be a technical opportunity to export electricity to Kazakhstan and from there, through transit, to Azerbaijan. Tajikistan is extremely interested in joining the Central Asia–Azerbaijan green corridor," the diplomat noted.
According to his statement, two hydroelectric units are currently operational, with four more expected to be commissioned. "After all turbines are put into operation, we will have the opportunity to export large volumes of electricity during the summer months – the period of peak demand for cooling in Asian and European markets. Within the next decade, we also plan to launch winter exports. Given the ongoing digitalisation, the adoption of artificial intelligence, and the growing popularity of electric vehicles against the backdrop of international climate agreements, the demand for environmentally clean and cheap energy will continue to increase. Thus, hydropower serves as a promising direction for interstate cooperation. Alongside hydroelectric plants, Tajikistan is also actively implementing solar energy today. I believe that, despite the significant potential for expanding ties in many other areas, the energy sector will serve as the main driver for the development of relations with Azerbaijan," Abdurahmon said.
https://report.az/en/energy/tajikistan-interested-in-joining-azerbaijan-s-green-energy-corridor-exclusive