CABAR.asia says there are no favorable conditions in Tajikistan for the widespread use of solar energy or for attracting investment in this sector. This is reportedly happening amid constant energy shortages and a crisis in the country’s electric power system.

Tajikistan is one of the most vulnerable to climate change countries.  Rising temperatures led to glacial melting and changes in precipitation patterns. This is becoming an acute problem for the country’s hydropower system, which generates more than 95% of the country’s electric power.  The experts believe the country has to use alternative methods of generating electric power more actively. The country’s significant renewable energy potential is underutilized due to multiple financial, technical and social barriers.

Estimated potential of solar energy in Tajikistan is about 25 billion kWh / year. This potential is not used, if not to take into account some of its use for water heating.  

The potential of solar energy in Tajikistan is reportedly quite high.  The country is located between 36°40′ and 41°05′ north latitude.  Meteorologists call this zone a “golden belt” of sunshine.

According to the Agency of Hydrometeorology of Tajikistan (Hydromet), the duration of sunshine in the country is 2100-3166 hours per year, and the number of sunny days per year ranges from 260 to 300.  This provides great opportunities for the use of solar energy as an alternative, especially in mountainous regions where there are no power lines.

The preliminary calculations of the Ministry of Energy of Water Resources of Tajikistan have reportedly shown that the potential for the use of solar energy is 3,103 billion kWh per year.  This amount would be enough to cover the winter power shortage partially in Tajikistan in regions of the country where 70% of the population lives.

Timur Idrisov, an environmental researcher and climate change expert, told CABAR.asia that although hydropower plants produce about 90% of all electric power in Tajikistan, their share of final electricity consumption is less than 60%.  The rest comes from fossil fuels. The share of solar and wind energy in the overall power balance is less than 1%.

Climate change caused glacial melting and snow cover depletion. Precipitation will become more variable.  This will affect the river flows and their hydrological cycle, on which hydropower stations depend. This will reduce the reliability and capacity of both hydropower facilities and distribution networks, the expert notes.

“Giving increasing uncertainty, it is important to diversify energy sources with an emphasis on renewable sources and actively engage in energy conservation and efficiency programs. With the proper approach, the sun, without exaggeration, can become one of the main energy sources in Tajikistan after hydropower stations,” Idrisov told CABAR.asia in an interview.

According to the expert, a number of problems hinder the widespread development of solar energy in the country.

“These include the lack of clear and precise rules, presence of excessive bureaucracy, monopoly on the energy market and low tariffs, lack of local experience and expertise, outdated infrastructure, etc. To put it simply, in Tajikistan, there are still no favorable conditions for the widespread use of solar energy or for attracting investment in this sector,” Idrisov said.

One of the goals of the Strategy on the Development of Green Economy for 2023-2037 in Tajikistan is to increase electricity production capacity from renewable energy sources (solar, wind, and bioenergy) by 10%.

However, according to Timur Idrisov, the programs implemented so far do not have significant results.

Meanwhile, many countries have successful experience in solar energy development.

The expert notes that this industry requires clear rules, demonopolization of the market, financial and economic incentives.

In Uzbekistan, producers of renewable energy sources are exempt from property and land taxes for 10 years; individuals have the right to receive 30% compensation from the state when installing solar panels or solar water heaters.  In Kyrgyzstan, there is a grace period for the purchase of electricity; for solar power plants, it is 25 years.

In Kazakhstan, investors in renewable energy projects are, among other things, exempt from customs duties, VAT on imports, and some other types of taxes. The country has an auction system for renewable energy projects.

“We should study this experience, select, and adapt things that will work most effectively in Tajikistan,” suggests Timur Idrisov.

Recall, the country’s first solar power plant was launched in Murgab district of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) in 2020.  This solar plant is a direct result of successful cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan, USAID, and Pamir Energy Company.  The solar power plant has a capacity of 220 kW.