Tajikistan’s Rogun hydroelectric project has recently secured a $25 million loan from the OPEC Fund, marking the first tranche of a $100 million financing facility dedicated to the project.
Construction of the Rogun Dam, initially launched during the Soviet era in the 1970s, was halted following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The World Bank Group expressed its commitment to assist Tajikistan in reassessing the project in March 2009. However, construction remained stagnant until it resumed in 2016.
Situated in the upper reaches of the Vakhsh River within the Pamir Mountains, the Rogun project is set to become the tallest dam in the world, standing at 335 meters. Additionally, it will feature the highest dam crest globally, at an elevation of 1,300 meters above sea level.
OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “Tajikistan has enormous hydro energy potential, and tapping into this natural wealth will strengthen energy security, independence, and export capacities. The Rogun HPP is not only a monumental engineering project but also a crucial step in securing Tajikistan’s energy future. The OPEC Fund is committed to supporting sustainable energy solutions that contribute to local and regional development.”
The Rogun project encompasses a 335-meter-tall embankment dam, hydraulic tunnels ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 meters, and an underground powerhouse equipped with six units, along with balance of plant and auxiliary equipment. In addition to supplying power to Tajikistan, the hydroelectric facility is expected to export energy to neighboring countries.
In 2022, construction reached a significant milestone with Webuild commencing the concrete pour for the main dam.
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