Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed four contracts worth $243mn to boost electricity transmission and build new substations, Afghanistan’s state energy company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) announced.
The agreements were concluded between DABS and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy, covering the following projects:
- Expansion of the 500-kilovolt Surkhan–Dasht–Alwon transmission line with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts.
- Expansion of the Arg’andah substation with a capacity of 800 megavolt-amperes (MVA).
- Construction of the Sheikh Mesri substation in Nangarhar province.
- Expansion of the 220-kilovolt Kabul–Nangarhar (Sheikh Mesri) power transmission line.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both sides. Afghanistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Head of the General Directorate of State Corporations Mawlawi Ahmad Jan Bilal. From Uzbekistan, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov and Special Representative for Afghanistan Ismatilla Ergashev were present.
DABS Director Abdul Bari Omar said the projects would play a key role in stabilizing Afghanistan’s electricity supply.
“These projects will help develop trade, industry, and agriculture, ultimately paving the way for significant progress for the country,” he stated.
Uzbekistan’s Energy Minister Mirzamahmudov described the contracts as the outcome of “strong cooperation and continuous efforts” between the two neighbors, stressing that both sides will work jointly to implement them.
In addition, a ten-year electricity purchase agreement was signed between DABS and Uzbek companies.
Afghanistan currently imports around 80% of its electricity, with Uzbekistan serving as its largest supplier, followed by Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. However, power deliveries are frequently disrupted due to regional grid outages, unresolved debts, and infrastructure shortcomings.
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