Roshtqala, Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon(VMKB), Tajikistan, August 16th 2023– The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, and President of the Republic of Tajikistan His Excellency Emomali Rahmon inaugurated the Sebzor 110kV Substation and Khorog-Sebzor transmission line in the Roshtqala District of VMKB, Tajikistan today. Commissioning of the Sebzor substation is a momentous event that will ensure the efficient transmission of electricity from the 11MW Sebzor HPP to the regional grid. The construction of the 110/35/10kV Sebzor Substation and 18km 110kV Khorog-Sebzor Transmission Line is part of the Pamir Private Power Project – Phase III (PPPP III) funded by the Government of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and implemented by Pamir Energy Company.
“Commissioning of the new power line and substation is another significant milestone in establishing a resilient electricity network in the Badakhshan region of Tajikistan. This component will further complement the currently under-construction 11MW Sebzor HPP, a project of the Government of Tajikistan and its development partners. Together the new line, substation, and HPP will maintain the energy security in VMKB over the medium term.”
Daler Juma, Minister of Energy and Water Resources
“The Government of Switzerland supports the use and generation of renewable energy. Affordable and available electricity improves people's livelihood but also protects the environment” – commented Salome Steib, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office and Consul of the Swiss Consular Agency in Tajikistan, “Switzerland’s support to Pamir Energy is also to be understood as a support to the decarbonization of the Tajik economy. The current substation and the new transmission line secure the stability of the regional electricity network and represent a clear gain for the local population,” added Ms. Steib.
The Sebzor substation and associated line will play a pivotal role in meeting increasing demand from residential and commercial customers in VMKB. The new facilities will improve the overall resilience of Pamir Energy’s network and contribute to the efficient transmission of electricity across the regional grid.
“These two new infrastructure components are an important energy facility of Pamir Energy Company that will allow us to further enhance our network and increase the provision of reliable electricity across VMKB. Commissioning of this substation and its associated line is of great importance particularly because it will allow for the uninterrupted transmission and distribution of electricity from the upcoming Sebzor HPP.”
said Amrikhon Raimov, General Director of Pamir Energy Company
The Pamir Private Power Project – Phase III (PPPP III) aims to streamline resilience into Pamir Energy’s operations and improve performance as essential elements for long-term sustainability. Resilience will be strengthened through a combination of corporate development activities and targeted infrastructure investments. Improved capacity to manage peak demand combined with increased energy efficiency will promote and prioritize a more efficient use of the existing infrastructure and improve the overall operational performance of Pamir Energy. The project’s expected impact is to improve living conditions and support economic development in VMKB through the provision of reliable, affordable, and sustainable access to electricity supply. To this end, PPPP III is structured along two main components to strengthen Pamir Energy’s ability to a) Increase resilience in view of the project region being highly prone to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change and; b) Improve operational performance through increased energy efficiency and peak load management as cost effective way to meet growing energy demand. PPPP III will be implemented from December 2019 to December 2024.
About the Swiss Cooperation in Tajikistan: The Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan represents the Government of Switzerland and supervises Swiss funded projects implemented in Tajikistan. There are two Swiss Federal Agencies working in the country, namely the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Switzerland funds projects in the following domains: Water, infrastructure, and climate change; Governance and Institution buildings; Employment and economic development. Additionally, the Swiss Cooperation in Tajikistan promotes arts and culture and supports small projects from local organizations. The Government of Switzerland gives substantial contributions to the World Bank (WB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations system. Those organisations also support the Republic of Tajikistan.
Pamir Energy Company: Established in 2002 as part of a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and Pamir Energy Company (PE), a subsidiary of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), PE is an integrated energy utility company operating in the region of VMKB in Eastern Tajikistan. PE’s establishment marked the formation of the first PPP in Central Asia, with the Government of Tajikistan transferring the operation and management of the energy assets in the region to PE in 2002 but maintaining ownership. PE’s goal is to bring light and warmth to VMKB by providing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to every household and creating a sustainable, resilient energy network that will be handed back to the Government of Tajikistan at the end of the 25-year partnership. Pamir Energy has invested over US$ 240 million to repair electrical infrastructure, expand hydroelectric capacity and establish a metering system in the region. Following its rehabilitation, about 98 percent of the population of VMKB gained access to electricity and is working to cover the remaining 2% by 2024.
