DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 3. Tajikistan boasts a hydroelectric potential of 527 billion kilowatt-hours per year, but currently only utilizes 3–4 percent of this capacity, Tajikistan's Minister of Energy, Daler Juma, said, Trend reports.
He made the statement while speaking at the World Hydropower Congress, which concluded on November 2 in Indonesia.
The minister emphasized that around 95 percent of the country's electricity is generated through the use of water resources. Juma also underscored the critical role of water in ensuring food security, as 80 percent of agricultural production occurs on irrigated lands.
Furthermore, Juma pointed out that Central and South Asia's hydroelectric power has significant potential to contribute to the region's development and transition to a zero-emission future.
He highlighted that harnessing hydroelectric resources can make a substantial contribution to energy security and economic development, especially in the face of rapid population growth and increasing energy demand in the region.
"The Central Asian region commissioned approximately 2 GW of new hydroelectric capacity in 2022, and major projects are expected to be completed in 2024–2025. Many countries in the region have set targets to increase renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric power, in 2022-2023," said the minister.
The 2023 World Hydropower Congress, with its main focus this year being on ensuring sustainable economic development in developing countries, attracted about 1,500 participants from various countries worldwide and international financial institutions.