Tajikistan interested in joining Azerbaijan's Green Energy Corridor - EXCLUSIVE

Tajikistan and Azerbaijan have significant potential for developing cooperation in the hydropower sector, Tajikistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ilhom Abdurahmon, told Report.

The ambassador recalled that about a month ago, the Azerbaijani capital hosted a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation at the deputy prime minister level.

During the event, the parties discussed in detail the energy sector and prospects for attracting Azerbaijani businesses to projects in Tajikistan.

"The Tajik side is always ready to welcome new investors, primarily from Azerbaijan. The initiatives we have developed that require funding are guaranteed to attract the attention of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs. We are open to mutually beneficial partnerships," Abdurahmon stated.

The diplomatic representative emphasized Tajikistan's vast renewable energy resources.

"Over 98% of our electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants. This method is the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective. We will soon be able to increase the volume of green energy exports. Currently, two large facilities are operational: the Nurek Hydroelectric Power Plant, built during the Soviet era and recently renovated, and the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant, which is under construction and has a design capacity of 3,600 megawatts," the ambassador explained.

Abdurahmon added that, according to current agreements, electricity is exported to neighboring countries-Afghanistan and Uzbekistan-during the summer months, and deliveries will begin to Kyrgyzstan in the foreseeable future.

"In addition, the CASA-1000 initiative is being implemented, which envisions electricity transit through Kyrgyz and Afghan territory to Pakistan. Construction of power lines in Afghanistan is currently being completed, after which clean energy will be supplied directly to Pakistani consumers. There are also plans for the West. Kazakhstan, together with Azerbaijan, is exploring the possibility of laying an undersea cable across the Caspian Sea. If the Central Asian states' power systems are unified, the integration of our networks will proceed smoothly. This will make it technically feasible to export electricity to Kazakhstan and, through its territory, to Azerbaijan. Tajikistan is extremely interested in joining the Central Asia-Azerbaijan green corridor," the diplomat stated.

According to his statement, two hydroelectric units are currently operating, and four more are scheduled for launch.

"Once all turbines are operational, it will be possible to export significant volumes of electricity in the summer, a period of peak cooling demand in Asian and European markets. We plan to establish winter exports as well within the next decade. Against the backdrop of international climate agreements, the demand for clean and affordable energy will continue to grow, given digitalization, the adoption of artificial intelligence, and the growing popularity of electric vehicles. Thus, hydropower is a promising vector of interstate cooperation. Along with hydroelectric power plants, Tajikistan is actively implementing solar energy. I believe the energy sector will be a key driver of developing ties with Azerbaijan, despite the significant potential for expanding contacts in many other areas," Abdurahmon added.