BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have begun the first stage of construction for two hydroelectric power plants on the Zarafshan River, Trend reports.
"The first stage involves geological exploration and survey works that will last for at least three months," said Daler Juma, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan.
The second stage will involve technical and economic feasibility studies, which will take approximately six months. During this stage, the final cost of the project will be calculated, noted the minister.
According to the press service of the President of Tajikistan, the construction of these HPPs marks the first major project in the energy cooperation between Dushanbe and Tashkent.
The initial plan is to construct the 140-megawatt Yavan HPP, with an estimated cost of around $282 million. Subsequently, the parties will proceed with the construction of the 135-megawatt Fandaryo HPP, which is expected to cost approximately $270 million.
During his visit in 2021, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed an agreement on the joint construction of two hydroelectric power plants in Tajikistan on the Zarafshan River.
A dedicated operator called "TaUz Hidro" has been established for the project. The project will be financed through investments from international financial institutions and the parties' own funds, which will be included in the joint venture's capital. Leading international institutions, including the Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, have expressed their interest in financing the project.