Energy Sector Review: Tajikistan 2022
Executive Summary
- Key Policy Directions: The government of Tajikistan has made commendable efforts to pursue an ambitious national energy sector agenda, including the installation of additional generation capacity, upgrading aged energy infrastructure, and enhancing regional cooperation.
- Progress to Date: Notable developments include the completion of the Sangtuda hydropower plants (900 MW), the continued construction of the Rogun hydropower plant, and the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000).
- Challenges Ahead: The country faces challenges such as the seasonal fluctuations in hydropower generation and the need for successful implementation of ongoing energy sector reforms.
Key Recommendations
- Energy Sector Reforms: The key to achieving the goals set by the National Development Strategy through 2030 is the successful implementation of ongoing energy sector reforms, aimed at unbundling vertically integrated state monopolies and setting up an independent regulator to attract private-sector investment and increase efficiencies.
General Energy Policy
- Country Overview: Tajikistan is endowed with abundant water resources and relies almost exclusively on hydroelectric power for electricity generation. Electricity is an integral part of the economy, and the energy policy continues to focus on alleviating annual winter shortages and providing uninterrupted access to energy.
- Energy Security: The country's energy security is heavily dependent on its hydropower capacity, which fluctuates seasonally. The government has taken steps to address this issue through various infrastructure projects and regional cooperation.
- Energy Supply and Demand: The energy supply is dominated by hydropower, with limited fossil fuel usage. The demand for electricity is seasonal, with peak demand occurring during the winter months.
- Energy Production and Domestic Supply: Hydropower accounts for nearly all of the country's electricity generation. The government has been working to upgrade aging infrastructure and install new capacity.
- Energy Consumption: Energy consumption is primarily focused on residential and industrial sectors, with the majority of the population relying on electricity for heating and lighting.
- Energy Sector Governance: The energy sector is managed by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and green growth.
- Energy Statistics: Detailed statistical data on energy production, consumption, and infrastructure are provided, highlighting the importance of hydropower in the energy mix.
Energy Efficiency Indicators
- Energy Efficiency: The country has made progress in improving energy efficiency, particularly in the residential and industrial sectors. Efforts are ongoing to promote energy-efficient practices and technologies.
- Energy Data Management and Use: The government is working to improve the management and use of energy data to inform policy decisions and monitor progress towards energy sector goals.
Electricity
- Overview: Electricity is a critical component of Tajikistan's economy, and the energy policy continues to focus on ensuring reliable and uninterrupted access to energy.
- Supply and Demand: The supply of electricity is highly dependent on hydropower, which fluctuates seasonally. Demand is highest during the winter months when heating is required.
- Capacity: The country's installed capacity is dominated by hydropower, with some thermal and small-scale renewable energy sources.
- Generation: Hydropower generation accounts for nearly all of the country's electricity generation. The government has been working to upgrade existing facilities and install new capacity.
- Consumption: Residential and industrial sectors account for the majority of electricity consumption.
- Imports and Exports: The country has the potential to export surplus summer electricity through the CASA-1000 project, which aims to connect Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with neighboring countries.
- Sector Structure: The energy sector is vertically integrated, with the government owning and operating most of the energy infrastructure.
- Market Reforms: The government is implementing market reforms aimed at unbundling state monopolies and setting up an independent regulatory body to promote private investment and increase efficiencies.
- Policy Framework: The policy framework includes measures to enhance energy security, promote cross-border trade, and integrate renewable energy into the grid.
- Infrastructure Investments and Cross-Border Trade: Significant investments are being made in infrastructure projects, such as the Sangtuda and Rogun hydropower plants, and the CASA-1000 project.
- Security of Supply: The government is working to ensure a stable supply of electricity through a combination of domestic generation and regional cooperation.
- System Integration of Renewable Energy: Efforts are underway to integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, with a focus on hydropower.
- Prices and Tariffs: Tariffs are set to ensure affordability and encourage efficient use of energy resources.
This report supports the transformation of Tajikistan's energy system, aiming to achieve sustainable energy goals that provide affordable, secure, and clean energy for the population and neighboring markets, while contributing to the region's energy transition and climate change objectives.