DUSHANBE, August 20, 2009, Asia-Plus — The head of the hydropower engineering laboratory at the Institute for Water Problems of Tajikistan’s Academy of Sciences, Georgy Petrov rules out the possibility of recurrence of last year’s energy crisis in the country in the winter period.
According to him, 2008 was a water short year, while this year, Tajikistan has stocked up on water for production of electricity.
“Besides, the hydropower plant Sngatuda-1 that has been introduced into operation this year will generate a projected 2.7 billion kWh of electricity per annum, while Tajikistan’s power deficiency in autumn-winter period is now some 3.5-4 billion kWh,” said the expert, “In other words, Sangtuda-1 station will be able to cover this deficiency. Moreover, we have a five-year agreement with Turkmenistan on delivery of 1.2 billion kWh of electricity to Tajikistan during autumn-winter period.”
Besides, Tajikistan is currently implementing the program for construction of small power plants and 50 such power plants are expected to begin generating electrical power by the end of this year that will significantly improve power supplies to rural areas, Petrov said.
Concerning Uzbekistan, he said that Tajikistan now did not have needs in its electricity. “Now they are in need of us and the most important thing that we now can talk to them on more equal terms, persisting on our position regarding different issues in the interest of the country,” Petrov said.
