DUSHANBE, 15.06.2023 (NIAT Khovar) – The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masatsugu Asakawa got acquainted with the operation of the Sarband hydroelectric power plant (HPP).

It was noted that Sarband HPP with a design capacity of 240 MW is the 5th largest operating HPP in the country on the Vakhsh River. Its construction on the basis of the Sharshara HPP began in 1956, and its first hydroelectric unit was put into operation in 1962.

Due to long-term operation, most of the electromechanical and hydromechanical equipment of the power plant and its open distribution devices are worn out.

In 2013, a grant agreement was signed between the Government of Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank in the amount of $136 million for the implementation of the project «Reconstruction of the Sarband HPP.»

The purpose of the project implementation is to increase production capacity, ensure uninterrupted and efficient operation of the HPP, and adapt it to modern technical standards.

According to the agreement, the project consists of two phases, the first phase includes the complete replacement of 5 units, 2 autotransformers, the construction of a new control building and other related works, and the second phase of the project includes the reconstruction of 220/110 kV outdoor switchgears.

Units, transformers and other new electrical equipment from Germany, Italy, India, China and Kazakhstan were brought in during construction work.

Asakawa highly appreciated the quality of work and the process of implementing joint projects in Tajikistan during the review of the work performed in the direction of reconstruction and modernization of the Sarband HPP.

To date, 162 people work at Sarband HPP, including 25 women. The engineering and technical staff is 75 people.