In a major advancement for energy connectivity and resilience in Tajikistan’s Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region (GBAO), the Government of Tajikistan late in June inaugurated and broke ground on critical power infrastructure that will bring the country closer to finalizing the regional electricity grid, the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan reported.
The high-level ceremony, held in Vomar, Rushan district, was led by Emomai Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, and attended by the European Union Ambassador to Tajikistan, and other senior representatives from the German Embassy in Dushanbe, KfW, the PATRIP Foundation, and Pamir Energy Company.
Two major milestones were marked during the event:
- The commissioning of the 110/35/10 kV Jangal Substation in Rushan District, funded by the EU, and 53 km of double circuit 110 and 35 kV Khorog–Vomar Transmission Line in, financed by the PATRIP Foundation
- The ground-breaking ceremony for the EU-funded 110/35 kV Qozideh Substation in Ishkashim District and 42 km of double circuit 110 and 35 kV Vomar–Voznavd Transmission Line in Rushan District.
All infrastructure components are financed through grants from the European Union and German Federal Foreign Ministry via KfW and the PATRIP Foundation, channelled via the Aga Khan Foundation (UK), and implemented by Pamir Energy Company.
“This infrastructure is more than steel and wire — it is the foundation of economic security and regional cooperation,” said Daler Juma, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan. “It connects our communities to stable, clean power and integrates GBAO into Tajikistan’s broader national and cross-border grids.”
The commissioned and upcoming infrastructure represents a significant step forward in the completion of the GBAO regional grid. These investments will dramatically improve power quality and reliability for thousands of consumers, reduce technical losses, and enhance climate and disaster resilience in a region prone to seasonal access challenges and geographic isolation.
“Today’s launch reflects the European Union’s strong and continued commitment to climate resilience, inclusive development, and energy access,” said Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Tajikistan. “Together with our partners, we are proud to invest in infrastructure that empowers communities.”
The PATRIP Foundation’s support for the Khorog–Vomar network complements EU investments, reinforcing infrastructure that not only strengthens internal connectivity but also layed the groundwork for cross-border electricity trade with northern Afghanistan.
“Building reliable, modern energy systems in border regions is vital for fostering stability and shared prosperity,” said Alexander Bohr, Chairman of the PATRIP Foundation. “We are pleased to contribute to infrastructure that will bring long-term benefit to these remote border communities.”
This multi-stakeholder collaboration represents a powerful model of public-private partnership, donor coordination, and local leadership working together to deliver transformative results in one of Central Asia’s most remote and challenging environments.
