DUSHANBE, January 28, 2013, Asia-Plus  -- Issues related to construction of coal-powered combined heat and power (CHP) plants in Tajikistan were considered here at the end of last week at a meeting Mr. Gul Sherali, Minister of Energy and Industries, with Mr. Chan Nep Ki Joseph, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China’s Kaisun Mining Corporation, the press center of the Ministry of Energy and Industries reports.

The sides reportedly discussed a plan of cooperation for this year, including increase in investments in development of the Miyonadou, Ziddi and Kamarob coalfields.

We will recall that Xinjiang Tebian Electric Apparatus Stock Co. Ltd (TBEA) is currently constructing a coal-powered CHP plant in Dushanbe.

The first 50 MW unit of the Dushanbe-2 CHP plant is expected to be introduced into operation in autumn this year.  A total capacity of this coal-powered plant, which is being built in the Luchob area of the capital, will be 200 megawatt.

Construction of the coal-powered plants is in compliance with Tajikistan’s environmental regulations.

Tajikistan relies almost exclusively on hydropower to generate electricity, which becomes scarce in the winter months when rivers freeze and water reservoir levels drop.