What we know about the four power projects between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan

To meet Afghanistan’s growing energy needs, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) signed contracts for four major electricity transmission and distribution projects with two Uzbek companies, in the presence of senior officials from both countries.

KABUL(BNA): Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed contracts for four significant projects aimed at enhancing the country's electricity grid, valued at approximately $243 million.

The agreements were finalized on Sunday in Kabul between Dr. Abdul Bari Omar, CEO of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, and representatives from the Uzbek Ministry of Energy.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirza Muhammadov.

The projects include:500 kV Sarkhan-Dasht-e-Awan Transmission Line, Capacity of 1,000 MW, Development of the Arghandi Substation, Capacity of 800 MW, 220 kV Kabul-Sheikh Masri Transmission Line, Capacity of 800 MW, Construction of Sheikh Masri Substation in Nangarhar, Capacity of 126 MW

These projects are expected to be implemented within 18 months, significantly improving electricity transmission and distribution in Afghanistan.

Details of the Projects:

1. 500 kV Sarkhan-Dasht-e-Awan Transmission Line, Capacity of 1,000 MW

This is a 500-kV transmission line about 225 km long across the Hindukush mountain range between the northern town of Dashte Alwan and Kabul.

It includes a new 500-kV / 220-kV substation to connect to the grid in Kabul.

The project will add 1,000-2,300 MW to the existing transmission capacity between northern and southern Afghanistan.

 The line will transmit electricity produced domestically by hydropower and fossil fuel generation in the northern region and accommodate power imports from neighboring countries.

The project is key for regional power trade and Afghanistan's role as an energy corridor connecting Central Asia to South Asia.

The erection work for the transmission line from Dashte Alwan to Arghandi is currently underway with substantial progress made, marking a significant milestone.

2. Arghandi Substation, Capacity of 800 MW

This substation is part of the same North-South Power Transmission Enhancement Project connecting northern and southern Afghanistan.

It supports the enhanced transmission capacity of 1,000-2,300 MW.

It is located in Kabul and designed to connect with the new 500 kV line.

3. Kabul-Sheikh Masri Transmission Line, Capacity of 800 MW

Specific information is not available about this transmission line but it is likely part of the related power infrastructure expansion projects around Kabul and Nangarhar to enhance transmission capability and regional integration.

4. Sheikh Masri Substation in Nangarhar, Capacity of 126 MW

This involves supporting the regional grid in Nangarhar province, enhancing power supply stability and capacity in eastern Afghanistan.

On the other hand, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met with Uzbekistan's Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, on Sunday. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, particularly through the execution of four vital electricity projects.

During the meeting, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar emphasized the importance of timely and high-quality completion of these projects, urging the Uzbek delegation to prioritize their implementation. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits these initiatives could bring to both nations.

Minister Mirzamahmudov reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to fostering economic relations with Afghanistan, highlighting that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is keenly focused on enhancing collaboration between Kabul and Tashkent. He assured that Uzbekistan is fully prepared to begin practical work in partnership with Afghan companies to ensure the projects' successful execution.