DUSHANBE, April 28, Asia-Plus  -- Sharifkhon Samiyev, the head of Barqi Tojik (Tajik electric systems) power holding, told a press conference in Dushanbe on April 25 that small power plants will be built in Tajikistan alongside with hydropower giants.  

He reminded that 71 small power plants are scheduled to be built by 2020.  “However, small power plants will not be able to promote achievement of the country’s energy independence,” said Samiyev.  “Construction of large hydroelectric power stations remains top priority.” 

Introduction into operation of Sangtuda-1 and Sangtuda-1 power plants, completion of the construction of the Roghun hydroelectric power station (HPS) and modernization of the Norak HPS will allow Tajikistan not only achieving energy independence but also becoming large power exporter, the Barqi Tojik top manager said.      

            According to him, small power plants are needed to improve electricity supplies to remote mountain areas and small industrial enterprises.

            23 small power plants are supposed to have been constructed in the country by 2010 due to grants and preferential loans of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).  It cannot be ruled out that construction of the remaining small power plants will be funded by domestic investors.      

We will recall that the government in September 2006 endorsed a long-term program of construction of  small hydropower electric plants between 2007 and 2020.  Under the program, 71 small power plants are scheduled to be built by 2020. The total capacity of the plants will be 480.571 million kWh of electricity a year.