DUSHANBE, June 4, 2014, Asia-Plus – A small hydropower plant with capacity of 125 kW is expected to be introduced into operation in the Shahrinav district (central Tajikistan) this summer, according to the Energy Project Implementation Unit (EPIU).

Barqi Tojik (the state-owned utility responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Tajikistan) has reportedly financed construction of this hydropower plant and a cost of this project is 600,000 U.S. dollars.

“The Toj hydroelectric power plant (HPP) will operate mainly during autumn-winter period, when electricity becomes scarce in the country,” said an official source at the EPIU.  “This hydropower plant will supply electricity to local school, military registration and enlistment office and residential customers.”

In all, 310 small hydropower plants have been introduced into operation in Tajikistan so far and some half of them do not operate in spring and summer months, when the main Tajik hydropower plants generate enough electricity.