Tajikistan’s Bold Move Towards Hydropower: Doubters Beware
**Tajikistan: Betting Big on Hydropower**
Tajikistan, a country in Central Asia, is placing all its energy bets on hydropower, with the construction of the massive Roghun “megadam” project. Despite facing criticisms about its sustainability, the Tajik leadership views Roghun as a crucial piece of the energy puzzle in a region plagued by electricity shortages.
The Roghun project, boasting a potential 3,600 megawatts of installed capacity, aims to cater to the energy needs of Tajikistan’s neighbors such as Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. With millions of Tajiks still living without regular access to power, Roghun’s completion is eagerly awaited.
However, concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale hydropower in a region facing the effects of climate change continue to loom large. While some neighboring countries are shifting towards solar and wind energy projects, Tajikistan remains committed to megadams like Roghun.
A recent visit by the World Bank Group’s executive directors to Tajikistan highlighted the country’s energy challenges and the importance of addressing the water-energy nexus in the face of climate change. The visit came on the heels of a major power outage in Tajikistan, underscoring the country’s energy vulnerabilities.
Despite setbacks, positive developments such as the revival of the CASA-1000 regional power project offer hope for Tajikistan’s energy future. Once operational, CASA-1000 will enable Tajikistan to export electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan, alleviating some of the region’s power shortages.
President Emomali Rahmon’s steadfast dedication to the Roghun project is evident, with plans for the dam to become the tallest in the world upon completion. However, financing challenges and environmental concerns persist, raising questions about the project’s long-term viability.
As Tajikistan grapples with power shortages and seeks to meet growing energy demands, the debate over the role of hydropower in its energy mix continues. While alternatives like solar and wind energy are being explored, the country’s focus remains on completing Roghun to secure its energy future.
With the region’s energy landscape evolving, Tajikistan’s reliance on hydropower underscores the complex interplay between energy security, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation. As the country forges ahead with its energy ambitions, the future of hydropower in Tajikistan remains a topic of debate and scrutiny.
