IDA approves Funds to rehabilitate Tajikistan’s Nurek Hydroelectric Plant

The International Development Association (IDA) has approved the financing of US$225.7 million for rehabilitation of 3,000-MW Nurek hydroelectric plant, Tajikistan.

IDA announced that the funding package is comprised of 25% grants and 75% in credits, and will cover about a third of the rehab project’s first phase.

The first phase includes the rehabilitation of three generating units and the replacement of six transformers. The initial phase will also include seismic safety upgrades to Nurek Dam in response to a 2012 study conducted by owner Barki Tojik.

The Tajik government has previously said Nurek’s operation is essential for the country given that it provides about 70% of the country’s total power. The project has not had a major overhaul since its commissioning in 1972, however, and currently operates at less than 80% of its capacity. The first phase of the rehabilitation will begin this year and is scheduled for completion in 2023. Work on the second phase is expected to begin in 2019.

Additional financing for the project has come from the Asian Infrastructure Bank ($60 million), Eurasian Development Bank ($40 million) and other regional sources.

Image Source: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank