DUSHANBE, July 7, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon is receiving visiting World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, Mr. Motoo Konishi, today.

According to presidential press service, the two are expected to discuss the process of implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Tajikistan and the World Bank on energy development for sustainable growth, which provides for conducting the techno-economic, the environmental and social impact assessments for the Roghun hydroelectricity project with due regard to international standards of environmental and social standards.

We will recall that Mr. Konishi noted in Dushanbe on March 10 this year that the World Bank estimates it will take three months to select a contractor to conduct the impact study, which could then take 18 months to complete.  "If the Roghun project proves its financial and environmental sustainability, the World Bank will provide the financial aid and support to the government of Tajikistan for the establishment of a consortium that will build this plant,” Mr. Konishi said.

According to the Ministry of energy ad Industries (MoEI), ten foreign companies will participate in tender for assessment studies for Roghun HPP.

The following companies and consortiums were selected to participate in the tender for carrying out techno-economic assessment: WS Atkins (U.K.);  consortium of three companies - ELC-Electroconsult (Italy) – Coyne et Bellier (France) – IPA Energy Water Consulting (U.K.); SNC Lavalin Group Inc. (Canada); Mott Mac Donald (U.K.) jointly with Temelsu International Engineering Services Inc. (Turkey); Nippon Koei Co Ltd. (Japan); and consortium EDF (France)–Fichtner (Germany)–Stocky Engineering (Switzerland).

Foster Wheeler/Battler (the United States), Golder Associates Ltd (Japan), Sterling International Group Inc (the United States) and Poyry Energy Ltd (Switzerland) will participate in the tender for carrying out environmental and social studies.

The tender is expected to take place in mid-July this year.