The consortium of HITACHI ENERGY (Sweden) and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A. (Spain) will complete technical maintenance of converter substations in Tajikistan and Pakistan by May 2028 as part of the regional CASA-1000 power transmission project, according to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR) of Tajikistan.
The implementation of the CASA-1000 project was discussed during a high-level meeting, which took place in Ludvika, Sweden on March 10.
The event brought together representatives from the participating countries, as well as the leadership and experts from the contracting companies involved in building two HVDC converter stations in Sangtuda, Tajikistan and in Nowshera, Pakistan, such as HITACHI ENERGY and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios.
Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Mr. Daler Juma, who led the Tajik delegation, emphasized the country's commitment to the successful implementation of the CASA-1000 project. This initiative is a key step in the energy integration of the region, contributing to the development of electricity trade, strengthening energy security, and expanding economic cooperation between Central and South Asian countries.
As a result of the talks, the parties agreed that the HITACHI ENERGY and Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios consortium will complete the technical maintenance of the converter substations in Tajikistan and Pakistan by May 2028. This will ensure the stable operation of critical infrastructure and create conditions for the completion of the permanent power transmission line through Afghanistan, which is expected to be completed in 2027.
It is worth noting that three of the four CASA-1000 participant countries — Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan — have already completed the construction of their facilities for the project. The DC line through Afghanistan is expected to be finalized in 2027.
The CASA-1000 project, which will allow for the export of excess hydroelectric power from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, is valued at $1.16 billion. As part of the project, 1,387 km of power lines and two converter substations will be built.
In addition, during his working trip to Sweden, Minister Daler Juma met on March 12 with representatives of Nord Pool, one of Europe's largest electricity market operators. The meeting focused on the operation of modern electricity markets, European experiences in creating free electricity trade, and mechanisms for regulating regional energy markets. Minister Juma highlighted the importance of leveraging international experience, including that of Nord Pool, for the further development of Tajikistan’s energy system and integration into the regional electricity market.
In turn, the representatives of Nord Pool expressed their readiness to exchange experiences, provide consultations, and strengthen cooperation in the development of modern energy markets.
