DUSHANBE (TCA) — Tajikistan is looking to Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) as one of potential investors to modernize the Nurek hydro power plant, the largest HPP in Tajikistan, Avesta news agency reported.
According to the Tajik government, around one billion Tajik somoni has been spent for modernization of the Nurek HPP over the past several years, but to complete modernization will require an additional $600 million.
The Tajik government said it is negotiating with various international financial organizations, including Eurasian Development Bank, to attract investments in the modernization.
Earlier the Bank said it was considering financing of the Nurek HPP modernization, saying that the project is sustainable and attractive from the financial and investment point of view, as the Nurek HPP is strategically important for Tajikistan.
During his working trip to the city of Nurek late in April, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon touched upon the power plant’s modernization.
“The Hurek HPP was built 44 years ago and still remains the main source of electricity and heat for the country’s population, the strategic facility providing electricity to Tajikistan’s population, industries, social and agricultural sectors,” the president said.
To date, a feasibility study for complete modernization of the Nurek HPP has been prepared with the support from the World Bank.
President Rakhmon said that the modernization of the plant will be conducted in two stages: the first stage will replace three generating units and auxiliary equipment, and the second stage will replace six generating units.
