DUSHANBE, April 24, 2010, Asia-Plus — Tajik electricity deliveries to Uzbekistan in the summer period are expected to be discussed at the next session of the Tajik-Uzbek commission for trade and economic cooperation that will take place in Tashkent, next week, Deputy Energy and Industries Minister, Poulod Muhiddinov, told reporters in Dushanbe on April 23.
According to the preliminary estimates, Tajikistan is able to generate more than 3 billion kWh of electricity in the summer period. “These volumes exceed the country’s domestic requirements in electricity, and therefore, we are seeking ways to sell surplus electricity,” the deputy minister said.
Muhiddinov noted that Tajikistan was going to increase electricity deliveries to Afghanistan this summer but the Afghan side would complete construction of the power transmission line only in early autumn.
He also noted that the upcoming session of the Tajik-Uzbek economic commission was expected to consider issues related to resumption of Turkmen electricity deliveries to Tajikistan during autumn-winter 2010-2011 as well. “A number of documents, including a protocol on energy cooperation, are expected to be signed in Tashkent,” Muhiddinov added.
We will recall that Uzbekistan officially left the Central Asian joint power grid last December. To ease energy shortages during winter, Tajikistan depends on 1.2 billion kWh of Turkmen electricity delivered via Uzbek power systems. Uzbekistan’s withdrawal from the regional power grid cut off Tajikistan from its vital electrical supplier during winter period as Tajikistan does not share common border with Turkmenistan.
In the meantime, freight hold-up problem is supposed to be the focus of the session in Tashkent. Amonullo Hukumatullo, the head of Tajik Railways, told reporters in Dushanbe on April 21 that representatives of Tajik Railways are also among members of the Tajik delegation and they will try to find solution to the freight hold-up problem.
