Tajikistan plans to increase electricity exports to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan
By Abdul Kerimkhanov
Tajikistan plans to increase electricity exports to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in 2019, said Chairman of the state energy holding ‘‘Barki Tochik’’ Mirzo Ismoilzoda at a meeting with journalists in Dushanbe on February 13.
He added that negotiations were underway with the Afghan and Uzbek energy sector on the volumes and prices of supplies.
At the peak of electricity production (spring-summer season), the republic can offer Afghanistan and Uzbekistan more electricity than in 2018.
According to preliminary agreements, it is planned to supply about 3.2 billion kWh of electricity to neighboring countries, that is, 1.6 billion kWh for each country.
Commenting on whether the export tariffs for Uzbekistan will change compared to 2018, Ismoilzoda noted that this issue is being discussed with Uzbek colleagues and the Tajik side suggests raising it.
The head of ‘‘Barki Tochik’’ also noted that Tajikistan supplied to Uzbekistan 1,48 billion kWh at a price of 2 cents per kW in 2018.
Tajik energy officials claim that there is plenty of snow in the highlands of the country this year, and the new energy capacity introduced allows for an increase in electricity production in the spring-summer period.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, more than 2.4 billion kWh of electricity was supplied outside the country in 2018. Due to these supplies, Tajikistan earned about $ 77 million.
The publication notes that the cost of each kW of energy for Afghanistan last year was 4.11 cents, and for Uzbekistan - 2 cents.
Most of the electricity in Tajikistan is produced at hydropower plants.
The country has significant potential in the field of hydropower, which is still little realized. The total volume of hydropower resources is estimated at 527 billion kWh, including 202 billion kWh that are technically possible for use, and 172 billion kWh that are economically feasible for construction.
Open Joint Stock Holding Company "Barki Tochik" is the state national energy company of Tajikistan, located in Dushanbe.
The main goal of ‘‘Barki Tochik’’ is the production, transportation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and heat mainly on the local market in Tajikistan.
The company deals with the operation of power plants and networks of the republic, the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electrical and thermal energy in the state.
The structure of "Barki Tojik" includes 26 enterprises in which more than 12,000 people work.
In the field of construction and design, a supply of equipment and materials, the company maintains partnerships with more than 12 countries. The company also trades electricity from neighboring countries.
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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94
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