DUSHANBE, August 22, 2008, Asia-Plus — To rehabilitate its energy sector Tajikistan should raise the price of one kilowatt-hour of electricity to 4 cents, Mr. Raghuveer Sharma, the World Bank Senior Energy Specialist for Europe and Central Asia, told journalists in Dushanbe on August 21.
According to him, the present electricity rates are quite low in Tajikistan, because practically all hydropower facilities had been built in the Soviet time already.
“At present, all power systems in the country, including the Dushanbe and the Yovon heat and power stations, need rehabilitation,” said Mr. Sharma, “If to take into account all these expenses, the electricity rate should be 4 cents.” He added that the present average price of one kilowatt-hour of electricity in the country is 1.5 cents. “It is necessary to invest big money in order to make power supply efficient,” Sharma said.
He also noted that according to the results of surveys conducted by the World Bank in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which have the lowest electricity rates, the population is ready to may more for electricity it the power supplies are regularly.
The World Bank senior energy specialist noted that development of the energy sector is one of priorities for Tajikistan because production of electrical power positively impacts economy.
According to him, Tajikistan has reserves of water and power resources in the amount of 40,000 megawatt. At present the country is using only 10 percent of these reserves.
Mr. Sharma also noted that demand for electricity, including the Tajik one, in the counties with fast-developing economies such as Russia, China, Kazakhstan and India is increasing. He added that the World Bank insists that electricity is exported only after requirements of the domestic market in electrical power will be met.
On the feasibility study for the Roghun hydroelectricity project, the WB representative noted that it will cover all issues, including the environment impact assessment and financial-legal issues.
On completion of the feasibility study, public consultations and consultations with other countries, including Uzbekistan, will be conducted, the senior energy specialist said.
On the possible investors, Mr Sharma noted that companies such Norsk Hydro, Hydro-Quebec as well Russian companies could invest in the project.
