Afghanistan Restores Power Imports from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan After Earthquake

A powerful earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan on November 2 caused significant destruction and disrupted electricity imports from neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, according to Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), the country’s national power company. The earthquake damaged two major transmission lines, Nayibabad to Samangan and Kholm to Pul-e-Khumri, severing power supplies from Uzbekistan to several provinces, including Kabul, Baghlan, Parwan, Panjshir, Kapisa, Logar, Paktia, Ghazni, and Maidan Wardak. Electricity imported from Tajikistan to Kunduz was also interrupted, leaving large swathes of northern Afghanistan without power. Technical teams were immediately deployed to assess the damage and begin restoration work. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the 6.3-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers near Mazar-i-Sharif. Tremors were felt across multiple provinces, including Samangan, Balkh, and the capital, Kabul. The cities of Aybak, Mazar-i-Sharif, Maymana, Takhar, Kunduz, and Sar-e-Pul experienced the strongest shocks. According to CNN, at least 27 people were killed and more than 950 injured, citing Dr. Sharafat Zaman Amar, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health. The quake also damaged one of the country’s historic mosques in the north. DABS confirmed that electricity imports have now been fully restored, including the damaged 220-kilovolt transmission line from Tajikistan. On November 3, the company’s spokesperson told TOLONews that imports from both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan had been interrupted due to the earthquake. DABS representative Mohammad Sadiq Haqparast said, “Our technical teams are working diligently to restore both transmission lines as quickly as possible.” Following the disruption, Kabul residents urged the government to accelerate repairs, emphasizing that stable and reliable access to electricity remains a critical concern, particularly in the capital. Afghanistan is heavily reliant on imported electricity, receiving over 720 megawatts from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. These imports cost the country between $250 million and $280 million annually. Separately, on the sidelines of the International Conference and Exhibition on Energy, Construction Affairs, Industry and Development of Chemicals of Turkmenistan-2025, DABS General Director Dr. Abdul Bari Omar met with Turkmen Deputy Cabinet Minister Batur Amanov. Their discussions focused on key regional energy projects, including the 500 kV transmission line, the TAPI gas pipeline, and the electrification of Bala Murghab district. The meeting underscored the importance of regional cooperation in bolstering Afghanistan’s energy infrastructure.

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Sign $243 Million Power Transmission Deal

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed four contracts worth $243 million aimed at expanding power transmission infrastructure and building new substations, according to Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), Afghanistan’s state-owned utility company. The agreements were concluded between DABS and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy, represented by Nego Energy and Uz Energy. Key components of the project include the extension of the 500-kilovolt Surkhan-Dasht Alwan transmission line, designed to carry up to 1,000 megawatts, the expansion of the Arghandeh substation to 800 megavolt-amperes (MVA), the construction of a new Sheikh Mesri substation in Nangarhar Province, and the extension of the 220-kilovolt Kabul-Nangarhar (Sheikh Mesri) line. The signing ceremony took place in Kabul and was attended by high-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Head of the General Directorate of State-Owned Corporations Mawlawi Ahmad Jan Bilal, and members of the press. Describing the projects as “vital for ensuring reliable electricity services,” DABS CEO Dr. Abdul Bari Omar said the upgrades would support Afghanistan’s commercial, industrial, and agricultural development. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, stressed that the initiative demonstrates “strong joint cooperation and continuous efforts by the leaders of the two friendly nations,” and pledged close collaboration on the implementation phase. In addition to the infrastructure deals, DABS also signed a separate long-term agreement with Uzbek companies to purchase electricity over a ten-year period, helping to stabilize Afghanistan’s power grid. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, DABS has entered into or prepared agreements for domestic energy generation projects totaling 1,070 megawatts over the past 11 months. Foreign partners are financing 70% of the estimated $1.01 billion investment. Afghanistan currently generates approximately 250 MW of electricity domestically and imports 800 MW from neighboring countries, Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, at an annual cost of $250-280 million. Officials estimate national electricity demand at 6,000 to 7,000 MW, with the potential to reach 10,000 MW as industrial output grows.