In a historic milestone for sustainable energy development in Central Asia, Tajikistan is set to achieve near-universal electrification of one of the region’s most remote and mountainous provinces by the end of 2025, following the launch of three major energy initiatives.

Led by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), the initiatives in Tajikistan’s Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon (VMKB) include the 11-megawatt Sebzor Hydropower Plant (HPP), new critical grid infrastructure and the deployment of decentralised renewable energy systems under the Tajikistan Rural Electrification Project (TREP).

Together with sustained investments made by Pamir Energy since 2002, access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity in VMKB has increased from just 13 percent in 2002 to covering virtually the entire population by 2025, reaching approximately 220,000 people.

Sebzor Hydropower Plant: A symbol of sustainable progress

Located at over 2,500 meters above sea level in the Roshtqala District, the Sebzor HPP is a run-of-river facility capable of generating more than 76 million kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable electricity annually.

Sebzor not only enhances VMKB’s grid reliability and contributes to Tajikistan’s clean energy agenda; it also supports cross-border electricity exports to northern Afghanistan, supporting thousands of people to access energy.

These developments mark a transformative step towards energy security, regional connectivity and cross-border electricity access.

Presided over by President Emomali Rahmon and supported by international partners including the European Union, the German Federal Foreign Ministry via KfW and the PATRIP Foundation, the World Bank, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), and Pamir Energy (part of AKFED), the developments also represent a coordinated effort to electrify one of the country’s – and region’s – most isolated areas.

The project was also designed with rigorous environmental and social safeguards and includes a Livelihood Restoration Programme and Resettlement Action Plan, which provides new community infrastructure, including a school and recreational areas.

Sebzor is also the first globally certified project under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, achieving Gold Certification in March 2023 – cementing its leadership in environmental, social, and governance development.

“This project demonstrates what is possible when local leadership aligns with international cooperation to achieve transformative impact,” says Daler Juma, Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources.

Strengthening the regional grid: Substations and transmission lines

Two additional milestones were celebrated during the inauguration ceremony: the commissioning of the EU-funded 35/110 kV Vomar Substation and PATRIP Foundation-financed 53km Khorog-Vomar Transmission Line; and the ground-breaking ceremony for the EU-funded 35/110 kV Qozideh Substation and 42km Vomar-Voznavd Transmission Line.

These investments in grid infrastructure will significantly improve power quality, reduce technical losses, and enhance climate resilience in a region prone to seasonal access challenges.

“Building reliable, modern energy systems in border regions is vital for fostering stability and shared prosperity,” said Alexander Bohr, Chairman of the PATRIP Foundation. “We are pleased to contribute to infrastructure that will bring long-term benefit to these remote border communities.”

“Today’s launch reflects the European Union’s strong and continued commitment to climate resilience, inclusive development, and energy access,” said Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan. “Together with our partners, we are proud to invest in infrastructure that empowers communities.”

Rural electrification: Decentralised solutions for remote communities

As part of efforts to achieve universal energy access, several decentralised energy microgrids under the TREP have also recently come online, including in HPPs in the Bartang Valley and Darvaz District as well as solar PV and battery systems in Murgab District.

Designed to operate autonomously, these microgrids deliver sustainable electricity to settlements where traditional grid extension is not viable due to the challenging terrain and geographic isolation.

“The new decentralised microgrids are a testament to our commitment to overcoming geographic challenges and ensuring that even the most remote settlements can benefit from clean energy. This initiative not only enhances living conditions but also opens up new opportunities for economic growth and social development,” said Farida Mamadaslamova, Senior Energy Specialist of the World Bank and the Task Team Leader of the TREP.

Together, these initiatives reflect an alignment of international partnership and local leadership, and underscore the resolve of AKDN, our partners and Tajikistan to build a green, connected, and inclusive energy future in VMKB.

These microgrid initiatives build on the successful electrification of 27 settlements in 2021 and aim to bring clean electricity to 35 more by the end of 2025. Backed by the World Bank, the initiative supports Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy 2016–2030, enhancing quality of life while reducing reliance on polluting biofuels.