The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $1 million technical assistance grant to support the Government of Tajikistan in developing floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) systems.
“This innovative initiative is about making the most of what Tajikistan has—sun and water,” said ADB Country Director for Tajikistan Ko Sakamoto. “It’s a smart step toward a future where everyone has reliable energy year-round, without harming the environment.”
With 93% of Tajikistan covered by mountains, flat land is scarce and mostly used for agriculture and housing, making ground-mounted solar projects costly. By contrast, the country’s reservoirs offer ideal sunlit surfaces and existing infrastructure, making floating solar panels a practical and efficient way to generate clean energy.
The technical assistance will screen up to five reservoirs for FPV potential and prepare a detailed study for a utility-scale FPV system to be built at one of the assessed sites.
The technical assistance will also strengthen local capacity and knowledge on floating solar technology. Government officials and energy professionals will gain hands-on experience through study tours, expert meetings, and regional knowledge exchanges. It will also upgrade the financial management system of Barki Tojik, the state-owned power generation company, to improve efficiency and transparency.
Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. The partnership has delivered tangible results for the people of Tajikistan—from upgrading critical transport links such as the Obigarm–Nurobod, Dushanbe–Bokhtar, Ayni–Panjakent, Dushanbe–Tursunzade, and Vose–Khovaling roads, to modernizing key irrigation and water supply systems and building hospitals and schools. ADB has also supported the construction of power transmission lines and electricity substations, the reconnection of the country’s electrical grid to the Central Asian power network, and the rehabilitation of major hydropower plants like Nurek and Golovnaya.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.