DUSHANBE, November 19, 2008, Asia-Plus – An ageing facility in Tajikistan’s electricity supply network which is in danger of collapse is being rehabilitated with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Press release issued by the ADB says the Norak Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) produces over 70% of the country’s electricity. It also plays a key role in regulating the frequency of power transmitted through the interlinked electricity networks of four other Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
However, the plant’s two switchyards — containing equipment that allows a transmission grid operator to clear faults in the system and to switch off parts of the grid to allow maintenance work to be done — were built more than 30 years ago and can no longer deliver a stable supply of power. In addition, some areas in the switchyards have been submerging due to unstable ground conditions, presenting a further threat.
ADB is providing a grant of $54.77 million from its Special Funds for the Norak Switchyard Reconstruction Project. The funds will be used to replace outdated equipment in the 500 kilovolt (kV) switchyard, with new switchgear moved to a more stable area of the plant. The Government and Barqi Tojik will provide counterpart fund of $12.1 million for the project.
The grant follows an earlier government loan agreement under which Germany’s Credit Institute for Reconstruction, or Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, agreed to finance replacement equipment in the 220kV switchyard.
The proceeds of ADB’s grant will be loaned to state-owned utility, Barqi Tojik Joint Stock Holding Company, which will award a single contract for the reconstruction work.
“The project will ensure a sustainable and reliable electricity supply to support economic development. It will also mitigate the risk of natural disasters disabling the switchyard and will stabilize the flow of electricity coming from this strategically important power plant,” said Jim Liston, Principal Energy Specialist in ADB’s Central and West Asia Department.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2007, it approved $10.1 billion of loans, $673 million of grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to $243 million.
