Afghanistan launches new energy projects worth $331 million

Taliban Government aims to add 261 megawatts through solar, wind, and gas power as it seeks to reduce reliance on energy imports

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has initiated the construction of multiple renewable and gas-powered electricity projects across several provinces, aiming to expand domestic energy capacity and reduce dependence on imported electricity.

The announcement was made by the Economic Affairs Office of the Prime Minister, with state-run utility Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) playing a key role in the rollout. 

According to Tolonews, the projects will have a combined capacity of 261 megawatts and are valued at 23.7 billion afghani ($331 million).

The infrastructure plan includes nine separate projects:

• 22.7 MW solar plant in Surobi, Kabul

• 40 MW solar plant in Dehdadi, Balkh

• 5 MW solar plant in Herat

• 10 MW solar plant in Laghman

• 43.2 MW wind power plant in Herat

• 40 MW solar project in Mohammad Agha, Logar

• 40 MW solar project for Nangarhar industrial parks

• 50 MW gas power plant in Sheberghan, Jawzjan

• Additional 10 MW solar plant in Surobi, Kabul

DABS CEO Abdul Bari Omar said tenders will soon be issued for further electricity generation, transmission, and distribution projects in up to 80 districts. He emphasized the importance of private sector participation and called on national and international investors to contribute to the country’s energy development.

“If Breshna truly wants to encourage private sector involvement, it must partner with these projects, and the Ministry of Finance should establish a financial guarantee fund to back private investors,” said Amanullah Ghalib, former head of the utility.

Energy experts say the move is vital for economic progress. 

“Without reliable energy, no sector can develop,” said Abdul Nasir Rashtia, an economic analyst. 

“Sufficient domestic power would support growth in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.”

Despite some progress, Afghanistan still imports approximately 75% of its electricity from neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. 

The country’s total demand stands between 2,500 and 3,000 megawatts, while only 25% is currently met by domestic sources.

According to the DABS, the government has been working over the past three years to design large- and small-scale energy projects with the aim of generating over 900 megawatts from domestic resources. 

The latest investment signals an effort to fast-track that transition and build energy self-sufficiency.