DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN – A group of journalists from Dushanbe visited the Nurek 500 kilovolt (kV) switchyard reconstruction project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Tajikistan.

The project supports the construction of a new 500 kV switchyard at the Nurek hydropower plant using an advanced gas insulated switchgear technology. The existing switchyard, built more than 30 years ago, is in need of complete replacement due to deteriorating equipment and unstable geological site.

“The project will ensure a sustainable and reliable electricity supply to support economic development,” said Asel Chyngysheva, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s Tajikistan Resident Mission, who led the media tour. “It will also mitigate the risk of natural disasters disabling the switchyard and will stabilize the flow of electricity coming from this strategically important power plant.”

The Nurek hydropower plant with a total installed capacity of 3,000 megawatt produces more than 70% of Tajikistan’s total electricity supply.

ADB is providing a grant of $54.77 million, with the Tajik government and Barki Tojik contributing $12.1 million for the project, which is due for completion in 2014.

Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998, and to date the institution has cumulatively approved a total assistance of more than $966 million in concessional loans, grants and technical assistance to the country. ADB’s operations benefit the population by reducing isolation, increasing communication, broadening access to electricity, improving social services, and creating more income-generating opportunities.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2011, ADB approvals including cofinancing totaled $21.7 billion.

www.adb.org