DUSHANBE, September 12, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- In next winter, the effect from energy deficiency will be smoother in Tajikistan.

The First Deputy Minister of Energy and Industries, Poulod Muhiddinov, remarked this at an international forum on power efficiency in Dushanbe on September 12.

According to him, the energy supply will be better during autumn-winter 2011-2012 as compared with autumn-winter 2010-2011.

“It has become possible due to introduction of the first unit of the Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power plant into operation,” said Tajik official, “Besides, the second unit of the Sangtuda-2 HPP is expected to be introduced into operation until the end of this year.  This will allow generating up to 3 million kWh of electricity per day.”

The first unit of the Sangtuda-2 HPP was introduced into operation on September 5 in the presence of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

During the ceremony, President Rahmon said that inauguration of the project was a logical continuation of one of strategic goals of Tajikistan – providing energy independence of the country.  Tajik leader ordered the Ministry of Energy and Industries of Tajikistan and the project contractor to take all necessary measures to make the Sangtuda-2 second unit operational as soon as possible.

Construction of Sangtuda-2, a 220-megawatt plant on the Vakhsh River, officially commenced in February 2006.  It is located some 120 kilometers southeast of Dushanbe.  Iran has invested US$180 million and Tajikistan US$40 million in the project.  Once the power station is built, all the revenue over the next 12.5 years will go to the investor and Tajikistan will become the owner of Sangtuda-2 after this period expires.