Uzbek companies will build power grids in Afghanistan worth $222 million.

Uzbek companies will build power grids in Afghanistan for $222 million.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) –

Uzbek companies will be involved in the construction of power grids and substations in Afghanistan. The progress of the work will be closely monitored by the Uzbek side, with weekly reports. This was announced by Energy Minister Sherzod Khodjayev at a meeting on the fuel and energy sector chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $222 million, and it will be fully financed by the Afghan side. Of this amount, $140 million will be for the export of Uzbek products – materials and equipment necessary for the construction.

The minister also clarified in an interview with the O'zbekiston 24 television channel that excess electricity will be supplied to Afghanistan only after Uzbekistan's domestic demand is fully met. Providing energy to domestic consumers is the priority.

This project is one of three key areas presented by the Ministry of Energy at the aforementioned meeting.

In addition to the Afghan project, the ministry also reported on plans to expand the practice of mahalla energy passports, successfully piloted in the Yangiyul district, nationwide. Furthermore, it was announced that regional distribution grids have been transferred to the Turkish company Aksa Electric, marking the first such move in Uzbekistan.