Afghanistan starts $35 million solar project to cut power imports
Afghan Government launches 40 MW solar project in Logar as part of broader effort to reduce reliance on imported electricity
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government has launched construction of a major solar power facility in Logar province, marking a significant step toward the country’s long-term goal of energy self-sufficiency.
The 40-megawatt solar project, located in the Mohammad Agha district, is valued at $35.6 million and includes a large solar power plant, a 126 MVA substation, and expanded transmission infrastructure. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide electricity to around 40,000 households.
The project was inaugurated by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, who said the new infrastructure would address the country’s chronic energy shortages and support local industry. “Electricity is the backbone of development,” Baradar said at the ceremony. “Afghanistan has great energy potential, but years of neglect have left us dependent on imports.”
According to Baradar, Afghanistan currently spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually to purchase electricity from neighboring countries. The new plant is intended to ease that dependency, particularly by powering the Mohammad Agha Industrial Park, which has suffered from erratic supply.
The Logar project is part of a larger national strategy to harness renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Officials said rural regions would be prioritized as the government seeks to expand access to reliable electricity. Contractors have been instructed to ensure timely completion and high construction standards.
The state-led initiative complements growing efforts by private players to modernize the energy sector. Chief among them is Bayat Power, the country’s largest private energy company. Founded by Afghan entrepreneur Ehsan Bayat, the company operates Bayat Power-1, the nation’s first gas-fired power plant, commissioned in 2019 in Sheberghan, northern Afghanistan.
Fueled by domestic natural gas, the Sheberghan plant has generated over 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity since its launch, supplying homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses across the region.
Bayat Power has also invested in energy infrastructure, technical training, and plans to expand into solar and hybrid energy projects.
By combining public investments with private innovation, Afghanistan is gradually reducing its dependence on imported electricity, while laying the groundwork for a more stable, diversified energy grid.
Officials say these developments are critical not only for economic recovery but also for building national resilience in the face of ongoing regional challenges.
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