Tajikistan and China Gezhouba Group Discuss Zarafshan Hydropower Projects

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and representatives of China Gezhouba Group International Engineering Co., Ltd. held negotiations in Dushanbe to discuss the development of new generating capacities. Minister Daler Juma and Mao Guohua, General Manager of Marketing for the Eurasian Region, focused on plans for hydropower plant construction in the Zarafshan River basin.

The proposed projects include two infrastructure facilities – the Ayni hydropower plant and the Yavan hydropower plant. The Ayni station is projected to have a capacity of 160 megawatts, while the Yavan station is expected to generate 100 megawatts. The participation of the international engineering corporation signifies interest in the hydroelectric potential of the region.

China Gezhouba Group, which specializes in the construction of hydraulic structures, confirmed its readiness to advance the projects. During the dialogue, the parties discussed technical aspects of cooperation and potential frameworks for the participation of Chinese specialists in construction and installation activities.

Following the meeting, participants agreed to continue professional consultations. Future discussions are expected to further define the implementation stages for the Ayni and Yavan projects, covering all phases from engineering surveys to the commissioning of the facilities.

Three years ago, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan announced plans to jointly construct two hydropower plants on the Zarafshan River. A dedicated operator, Tad-Uz Hydro, was established at that time to manage the joint initiative.