The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a $270 million loan to support the completion of the Rogun hydropower plant in Tajikistan. The funding is part of a $500 million program co-financed with the World Bank, with additional contributions expected from a consortium of global donors.
Once operational, the Rogun hydropower plant will have an installed capacity of 3,780 megawatts (MW), providing electricity to around 10 million people in Tajikistan. The project aims to address the country’s chronic winter power shortages and deliver clean, affordable, and climate-resilient energy to the Central Asia region.
Central Asia’s energy demand is projected to rise by 40% by 2030 and triple by 2050. To meet this growing need, the region must expand its renewable energy capacity. The Rogun project is designed to improve electricity reliability, reduce costs, and tackle issues like winter blackouts, which disrupt productivity and daily life.
“This project will play a crucial role in advancing the green energy transition and enhancing energy security in Central Asia,” said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB’s Chief Investment Officer for the Public Sector. “By investing in sustainable energy infrastructure, we are not only addressing current energy needs but also empowering future generations with clean, reliable power. This will drive transformative growth, strengthen resilience, and unlock the region’s full potential.”
Tajikistan ranks eighth globally in hydropower potential, but only about 4% of this resource is currently utilized. The Rogun project is expected to help decarbonize electricity grids across Central Asia, supporting regional climate goals. It will also provide affordable renewable energy, improve energy storage capabilities, and integrate large-scale solar and wind power, creating a cleaner and more reliable energy supply for the region.
The Rogun hydropower plant represents a significant step toward sustainable development in Central Asia, aligning with AIIB’s mission to finance infrastructure that meets the needs of tomorrow.
