BAKU: The OPEC Fund for International Development is set to enhance Tajikistan’s energy capabilities with a $25 million loan aimed at supporting the construction of the Rogun hydropower plant (HPP), as reported by Trend News Agency. This financial assistance marks the initial segment of a broader $100 million funding arrangement dedicated to the project, expected to significantly influence the Central Asian energy landscape.
According to Trend News Agency, OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, highlighting Tajikistan’s rich hydro energy resources. Alkhalifa expressed that leveraging this natural wealth is crucial for bolstering the country’s energy security and independence, as well as enhancing its capacity to export energy. “The Rogun HPP is not only a monumental engineering project but also a crucial step in securing Tajikistan’s energy future. The OPEC Fund is committed to supporting sustainable energy solutions that contribute to local and regio
nal development,’ Alkhalifa stated.
The Rogun Hydropower Plant, set to become the world’s tallest dam at 335 meters, serves multiple purposes including electricity generation, water flow regulation, and mitigation of flood and drought risks. With a total generation capacity of 3,780 MW, the facility aims to meet domestic energy needs and also produce electricity for export to neighboring countries, thus fostering the use of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
Tajikistan’s Minister of Finance, Fayziddin Sattor Qahhorzoda, also highlighted the critical role of the Rogun HPP in the nation’s development and its contribution to the regional shift towards green energy. “It addresses power shortages and expands renewable energy access in rural areas, establishing Tajikistan as a prominent contributor to clean energy exports. We greatly appreciate our collaboration with the OPEC Fund and its contribution to turning this vision into reality,” Qahhorzoda noted.
The financial support for Rogun HPP follows
the signing of a Framework Financing Memorandum in June 2024, which formalized the $100 million financing facility. To date, the OPEC Fund has financed 18 public sector projects in Tajikistan across various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and education, reflecting a growing partnership between the OPEC Fund and Tajikistan.