The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $270 million in financing for the first phase of a $500 million program to support the completion of the Rogun hydropower plant in Tajikistan.
Once completed, Rogun is expected to have an installed capacity of 3780MW, providing electricity to approximately 10 million people in Tajikistan and addressing persistent winter power shortages.
The project is cofinanced with the World Bank, with additional funding expected from a global consortium of donors. It aims to deliver clean, affordable, and climate-resilient hydroelectricity for Tajikistan and the wider Central Asia region.
Energy demand in Central Asia is projected to increase by 40% by 2030 and triple by 2050, necessitating the expansion of renewable energy sources. The project is designed to improve the reliability and lower the cost of electricity while addressing issues like winter blackouts that impact productivity and residents’ quality of life.
“This project will significantly contribute to the green energy transition and energy security of Central Asia,” said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB Chief Investment Officer for the Public Sector. “Investing in sustainable energy infrastructure is not merely about meeting today’s demands, but about empowering future generations with clean, reliable power that drives transformative growth, strengthens resilience, and unlocks the full potential of the region. This project is a testament to AIIB’s unwavering commitment to Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow.”
Tajikistan has significant hydropower potential, ranking eighth globally, but only about 4% of this potential is currently utilized. Rogun is expected to play a key role in decarbonizing electricity grids across Central Asia, supporting regional climate goals. It will also provide affordable renewable energy, improve energy storage, and integrate large-scale solar and wind power, creating a cleaner and more reliable electricity supply.
