A gas pipeline project from Turkmenistan to South Asia could help reduce energy poverty in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India by bringing cheap, readily available energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Muhammetmyrat Amanov, Chief Executive Officer of TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd, said this at an international energy conference in Ashgabat.
"Turkmenistan considers it important to provide the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project countries with reliable supplies of natural gas at competitive prices".
The 1,853km-long pipeline with an annual capacity of 33bn cubic metres of gas originates from the Galkynysh field with proven reserves of 27.4tn cubic metres.
" The route was designed to avoid densely populated areas while adhering to infrastructure, and special emphasis was placed on preserving the environment and cultural heritage of the TAPI countries."
As noted, Turkmen section of the pipeline ready for operation.
"We continue to engage with the Afghan side to review the safety measures required for the construction and operation phases of the Project in accordance with international standards."
The company company is currently working with legal consultants and relevant stakeholders on a roadmap to reduce sanctions risks for the project.
"Turkmengaz and the Ministry of Energy of Pakistan signed a Joint Implementation Plan for the Accelerated Implementation of the TAPI project in June 2023.
Experts told Daryo that the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which lobbied for the project, has closed its office in Kabul pending international recognition of the Islamic emirate.
Security is another pressing issue. Taliban field commanders promise to raise 30,000 fighters to protect the TAPI infrastructure.
Eziz Boyarov
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