DUSHANBE, July 1, 2008, Asia-Plus — Introduction of the second unit of the Sangtuda-1 hydroelectric power plant (HPP) is evidence of fruitful cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia and an important step towards achievement of Tajikistan’s energy independence that will give impulse to further socioeconomic development of the country, President Emomali Rahmon remarked at an official ceremony of introduction of the second unit of the Russian-built Sangtuda-1 station into operation on July 1.
According to him, hydropower is a fundamental sector of Tajikistan’s economy. “That is why construction of hydropower facilities is one of national priorities,” the head of state stressed.
Rahmon noted that Tajikistan is a stranger to national selfishness. “Implementing these tasks we proceed not only from only our own interests but also take into consideration regional priorities for which providing the entire infrastructure with cheap and ecologically clean electrical power is not the least of the factors,” Rahmon said.
The Tajik head of state reminded that Russia was among the first to establish bilateral relations with Tajikistan and thousands ties of friendship and mutual respect have united the two countries. According to him, Tajikistan has always felt true support of Russia.
Rahmon noted that Tajik-Russian relations are developing and trade between the two countries has increased four times over the last five year and amounted to more than $850 million in 2007 and over the first five months of this year, a two-way trade between Tajikistan and Russia has exceeded $500 million.
According to him, construction of the Sangtuda-1 station is a logical step proceeding from strategic partnership between the two countries.
Rahmon called on builder to take efforts to finish the station before the end of this year in order to facilitate life of Tajikistan population during the winter period.
Tajik president noted that they also intend to discuss the possibility of construction of similar power plants on other Tajik rivers.
He also invited all Russian companies participating in construction of the Sangtuda-1 station t take part in construction of the Roghun hydropower plant.
The first unit of the Sangtuda-1 station was put into commission on January 20 this year. The Sangtuda-1 plant was hailed as a first step in alleviating Tajikistan”s energy crisis. The first unit of the Sangtuda-1 plant has a planned capacity of 220 million kWh, and once all four units of the plant are operational, the station will have an annual projected capacity of 2.7 billion kWh of electricity.
Russia’s Unified Energy Systems (RAO YeES) retains a 75 percent share in the power plant, which will generate a projected 2.7 billion kWh of electricity per annum. The power station will have an estimated capacity of 670 MW.
