According to statistics from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), by the end of 2024, the installed capacity of renewable energy sources (RES) in Tajikistan reached 5,738 MW, which is 15.8% more than in 2015, when this figure was 4,957 MW.

Almost all of this capacity comes from hydroelectric power plants (HPPs), which underlines the key role of hydropower in the country’s energy balance, writes the Asia-Plus news agency.

Hydropower: the basis of Tajikistan’s energy system

Hydropower remains the main source of electricity in Tajikistan. Since independence in 1991, the country has increased its installed power capacity from 4,413 MW to 5,738 MW in 2024, an increase of 30%.

Potential for the development of solar and wind energy

Despite the dominance of hydropower, Tajikistan has significant potential for the development of solar and wind energy.

The country receives an average of about 300 sunny days per year, making it attractive for solar energy investments. In addition, some regions have favorable conditions for installing wind power plants, especially in mountainous and foothill areas.

Regional cooperation and integration into the energy system

In June 2024, Tajikistan rejoined the Unified Energy System of Central Asia, opening up new opportunities for regional energy cooperation.

This event contributes to strengthening energy security, improving grid efficiency and expanding electricity trade between countries in the region.

Comparison with other Central Asian countries

While Tajikistan maintains its leadership in terms of installed renewable energy capacity, other countries in the region are demonstrating significant growth rates in this direction .

• Uzbekistan : increased its installed capacity of renewable energy sources from 1,882 MW in 2015 to 5,166 MW in 2024, an increase of 174.5%. The main contribution was made by solar power plants (2,275 MW), hydroelectric power plants (511 MW) and wind power plants (500 MW) .

• Kazakhstan : increased its installed capacity of renewable energy sources from 2,807 MW in 2015 to 5,419 MW in 2024, representing an increase of 93.1%. The growth was achieved through the construction of new wind power plants (1,336 MW), solar power plants (1,139 MW) and hydroelectric power plants (132 MW) .

• Kyrgyzstan : on the contrary, recorded a decrease in installed capacity of renewable energy sources by 11.4% – from 3,677 MW in 2015 to 3,258 MW in 2024. The reasons for this decrease are not specified in the IRENA publication.

What does Tajikistan need for further development of renewable energy?

For further development of renewable energy, Tajikistan needs :

• Diversify renewable energy sources by developing solar and wind energy .

• Attract investments into new projects and modernization of existing capacities .

• Strengthen regional cooperation within the framework of the Unified Energy System of Central Asia .

Given its natural resources and strategic location, Tajikistan is well positioned to strengthen its position as a leader in renewable energy in the region.

https://eurasiatoday.ru/tadzhikistan-lidiruet-v-tsentralnoj-azii-po-moshhnostyam-vozobnovlyaemoj-energii/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKGSURleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHn3v0y8t4PHIrkxNB-8F4zBwCSybgjUcxN_RZc-2UzOnd8FSoVPhc59zq4UL_aem_iVCanIVrYE3xB9NQEp5dfA&sfnsn=wa