Afghanistan Invites Indian Companies to Develop Renewable Projects

Afghanistan is looking to enhance cooperation with India to develop its renewable energy sector and reduce its dependence upon imported energy.

The Afghanistan Government has invited Indian companies to set up renewable energy projects in the war-torn country to increase electrification in its remote regions. Speaking at the India-Afghanistan Renewable Energy Summit held recently in New Delhi, ministers in the Afghan government called upon Indian companies to invest in and develop off-grid renewable energy projects in Afghanistan.

Given the low population density in Afghanistan, off-grid renewable energy projects will be more beneficial than setting up transmission grids through the country at high costs, Minster of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Nasir Ahmad Durrani said. The electrification rate in Afghanistan is a dismal 33% at the moment, which the government plans to increase to 65% over the next five years. The country is dependent on imported electricity from neighboring countries — a situation the government wants to change in order to ensure energy security and further independence.

Afghanistan counts India among its long-standing allies. India has been working on infrastructure development in Afghanistan for several years now and has increased its support following the launch of the global reconstruction initiative.

India is building a 42 MW hydro power project in the county which is expected to be commissioned next year. The project will not only generate electricity, but will also provide irrigation for neighbouring area.

Masdar and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have also supported development of distributed renewable energy projects in Afghanistan. Recently, South Korea and United Nations Commission on Human Rights also pledged support for the development of a small-scale wind energy project to provide electricity to a refugee camp in the country.

AWSolution