Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Kyrgyzstan intend to expedite the implementation of the CASA-1000 energy project.
The corresponding statement was signed by representatives of these countries during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Sputnik reports.
The energy ministers of the participating countries noted that CASA-1000 is in its final stages. "The parties expressed their collective readiness for the project's commercial operation to commence as soon as possible," emphasized Tajikistan's Ministry of Energy.
The representatives of the nations also highlighted that this initiative will not only improve the quality of life for local residents but will also make a significant contribution to combating climate change.
The total cost of the CASA-1000 project is $1.2 billion, clarified the Tajikistan Ministry of Energy.
The regional CASA-1000 project involves connecting the energy systems of Central and South Asia, specifically Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with Afghanistan and Pakistan for the export of electrical energy.
Negotiations for this initiative have been ongoing since 2007. In 2008, representatives of the four countries commissioned a technical and economic feasibility study for the project. The development of the feasibility study was completed in 2011.
According to the agreements reached, Kyrgyzstan, within the framework of CASA-1000, committed to taking on a 40% share of the anticipated electricity supplies to South Asia. Tajikistan is ready to provide the remaining 60%.
The implementation of the project in Afghanistan, where only one power transmission line passes, was suspended due to the change of power in the country in August 2021.
Earlier, the head of the Tajikistan Ministry of Energy stated that the CASA-1000 project is planned to be launched within two years, and a decision regarding the completion of construction in Afghanistan is expected by the end of 2023.
CentralasianLIGHT.org,
December 8, 2023