Tajikistan is preparing a large-scale upgrade of its power sector, with the government estimating that 60.4 billion somoni (around $6.5 billion) will be required to implement the Electricity Sector Development Program for 2026โ2030.
Funding is expected to come from a combination of development partners, private investors, and annual allocations from the state budget, with the bulk of resources directed toward the construction of the Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP), The Caspian Post reports, citing Tajik media.
Funding sources
- Under the program, financing is projected to include:
- 57 billion somoni ($3.979 billion) from development partners;
- 79 billion somoni ($2.588 billion) from private sector investment;
- Annual state budget allocations earmarked for the Rogun HPP.
This year alone, more than 9 billion somoni ($979.328 million) has been allocated from the state budget for the Rogun project, accounting for about 20 per cent of total approved government spending. In the 2026 budget, funding for the fuel and energy sector is set at 15 billion somoni (over $1.6 billion), or 22.4 per cent of total expenditures.
Key priorities
During the program period, priority will be given to building the Rogun, Shurob, and Charsem hydropower plants, as well as rehabilitating and modernizing existing facilities. By 2030, Tajikistan plans to commission the remaining four units at the Rogun HPP and replace two permanent turbine runners, significantly increasing capacity and restoring lost output.
Renewable energy development also remains a focus, with plans to construct 1.5 GW of solar power plants in the Sughd and Khatlon regions, alongside studies into the countryโs wind energy potential.
Exports and grid modernization
Tajikistan is seeking to expand electricity exports and views frequency regulation services in regional power networks as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its role in Central Asia. To support this, the program includes expanding and modernizing transmission infrastructure, such as building high-voltage lines including the RogunโSaikhun 500 kV line and reconstructing existing substations.
At the national level, the plan envisages upgrading distribution networks, replacing outdated equipment, and installing smart meters to improve the reliability of electricity supply.
Expected outcomes
Once implemented, the program is expected to deliver:
- 2,680 MW of new generation capacity from newly built hydropower plants;
- 253 MW of additional capacity from rehabilitated facilities and restoration of 440 MW lost due to equipment wear;
- 1,500 MW of solar generation capacity;
A reduced electricity losses to 3 per cent in transmission networks and 9 per cent in distribution networks;
Up to 5 billion kWh of electricity exports annually.
In his latest address, the president noted that domestic electricity demand is rising annually and is projected to be 31 per cent higher in 2030 than in 2025. Over the past decade, Tajikistan has invested 60 billion somoni ($6.528 billion) in the energy sector, increasing installed generation capacity by 1,017 MW.
