DUSHANBE, January 9, Asia-Plus — China’s Chendun Planning Institute plans to complete improvement of feasibility study for implementation of the Zarafshon hydroelectricity project by February, according to Barqi Tojik (Tajik electric system) power holding.
The Chinese institute began work on improving the feasibility study last November, following Tajik-Uzbek talks over construction of the Zarafshon, or Yovon, hydropower plant in northern Tajikistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Uzbek side claimed that introduction of the Zarafshon station into operation could affect land reclamation system in several regions of Uzbekistan, and therefore, they insisted on conducting international examination of the project. In the meantime, Tajik energy specialists say that the Zarafshon hydroelectricity project in no way affects farming units in neighboring Uzbekistan.
However, the sides agreed to enlist the services of any international company to conduct independent and objective analysis of the Zarafshon hydroelectricity project.
As soon as Chinese specialists complete work on improving the feasibility study in compliance with international standards, it will be submitted for consideration to the government.
As far as independent international examination of the project is concerned, the government will seek funds for this. The World Bank, the Asian Development and the Islamic Development Bank are considered as potential experts.
We will recall that China”s Sinohydro Corporation has been granted a contract to build the Zarafshon, or Yovon, plant, which should produce some 600 million kWh of electricity a year. The relevant contract was signed on January 17, 2007 in Beijing, on the sidelines of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon”s visit to the Chinese capital.
The project will reportedly be funded through a $200 million, low-interest Chinese loan.
Tajikistan is regularly hit by electricity shortages, and is pursuing greater self-sufficiency in the energy sector. It is largely dependent on Kyrgyz energy supplies that are transported through Uzbekistan. According to specialists, the Zarafshon hydropower plant could fully meet requirements of Sughd’s Panjakent district in electrical power.
