Afghanistan signs $10B energy deal to generate 10,000 megawatts nationwide
Taliban-led Afghan government inks massive agreement with private firm to tackle power shortages through coal, gas, hydro, solar, and wind
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghanistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water has signed a $10 billion agreement with a domestic private company to develop large-scale power projects aimed at producing 10,000 megawatts of electricity over the next decade.
According to ToloNews, the deal is seen by Afghan officials as a major step toward addressing the country’s persistent electricity shortages, which have long hampered economic growth, industrial activity, and basic public services.
The agreement outlines plans to harness a mix of energy sources—including coal, gas, hydro, wind, and solar—across multiple provinces. The project will be implemented in phases, with the initial rollout expected to generate 2,000 to 3,000 megawatts.
“This is a major achievement for us,” said Abdul Latif Mansoor, the acting energy and water minister. “In today’s world, electricity is essential—from hospitals to homes, every aspect of life depends on it.” He also encouraged further domestic and international investment in Afghanistan’s untapped energy potential.
Mirwais Azizi, head of the private firm spearheading the project, announced that technical design will be completed within six months. He emphasized that 98% of the workforce would be composed of Afghan nationals, supported by 17 to 18 foreign experts. A training center will also be established to build local capacity.
The project is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2032, with energy generation broken down as follows:
- Gas: 3,700 MW (Jawzjan, Herat, northern provinces)
- Coal: 3,400 MW (Balkh, Bamiyan, Herat, Baghlan)
- Hydropower: 2,040 MW (Kabul, Kapisa, Daikundi)
- Wind: 700 MW (Herat, Farah)
- Solar: 200 MW (Kabul, Kandahar, Ghazni)
Afghanistan currently imports the majority of its electricity, relying heavily on neighboring countries. Blackouts and power shortages remain widespread, especially during the winter months.
While some analysts have raised concerns over the heavy reliance on fossil fuels such as coal and gas, others view the project as a much-needed boost to national infrastructure, especially amid ongoing isolation and economic strain.
If fully realized, the plan could significantly reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on energy imports, create thousands of local jobs, and lay the groundwork for more industrial self-sufficiency in the years ahead.
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