The construction of the "Sanobod" HPP in the Rushan District of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) will open up opportunities for exporting electricity abroad, particularly to northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, stated Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, as reported by the local authority publication "Payomi Rushon."
During the presentation of the construction project of the 110/35/10 kV modular substation in the administrative center of the Rushan District last Tuesday, the minister highlighted that "the region is beginning the construction of large energy facilities."
The substation, financed by the European Union, is expected to transform the Rushan District into a hub for electricity distribution in the area, according to the minister. He emphasized that the substation "will contribute to providing electricity to new industrial enterprises and the population of the Rushan District."
Meanwhile, the head of GBAO, Alisher Mirzonabot, stated during the event that the region is better supplied with electricity compared to other parts of the country. He underscored that the construction of the 500-megawatt capacity "Sanobod" HPP will be a significant step towards industrializing the region.
Previously, in 2015, after the signing of a memorandum for the construction of the "Sanobod" HPP between the Tajikistan government and the Aga Khan Foundation, it was reported that the station's capacity, according to preliminary calculations, would be 100-125 MW, significantly lower than the 500 MW capacity declared by the region's leader.
It is possible that the regional leader misspoke, as currently, only three HPPs in the country have higher project capacities: the Nurek HPP (3000 MW), Sangtuda HPP-1 (670 MW), and Baipazin HPP (600 MW).
The electricity system in GBAO, which operates autonomously from the Tajikistan energy system, will be managed by the international company "Pamir Energy" based on a concession agreement with the Tajik government until the end of 2027.
It is worth noting that consumers in other regions of Tajikistan have been receiving limited electricity supply since the end of September last year (8-10 hours per day). Starting from the end of February, residents of the capital city have also been facing similar restrictions.
