Baradar inaugurates work on solar power project in Surobi

KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar inaugurated work on a 22.75-megawatt solar power project here on Tuesday.

The project, located near Naghlu Dam in Surobi district of Kabul province, is expected to be completed within one year at a cost of $18 million.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several cabinet members, the Ambassador of Turkey to Afghanistan, officials from Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, representatives from the private sector, and numerous local citizens.

During the ceremony, Mullah Baradar emphasized the importance of clean energy, expressing joy over the launch of the project that will strengthen Afghanistan's resilience in environmental protection, meet the country's energy needs, and contribute to global efforts for a cleaner climate.

He said, “Such electricity generation projects can gradually reduce our reliance on imported electricity, enabling us to meet our needs using domestic resources.”

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that solar energy projects of this nature will increase investment, enhance production capacity, and create jobs.

He added these initiatives will help prevent currency outflow and significantly contribute to the nation's economic growth.

Mullah Baradar called on the United Nations and international organizations that support clean energy to provide necessary assistance to Afghanistan in producing clean energy and to resume any suspended projects in the country.

He highlighted that Afghanistan was among the countries most affected by climate change, despite having minimal contribution to the issue.

He stressed that protecting the global climate was a shared responsibility requiring collective cooperation from all nations.

He extended an invitation to both domestic and foreign investors to invest in the energy sector, assuring them that the Islamic Emirate welcomes investment, especially in the energy sector, and will provide necessary support and facilities.

The 22.75-megawatt solar power project is being implemented by a Turkish company and the local Zolerstan company, involving an investment of approximately $18 million. It aims to address electricity shortages in Kabul's industrial parks and significantly benefit local citizens.

Dr. Abdul Bari Umar, chief of DABS, remarked that since the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, the people received daily news of development. He said the government was fulfilling the promise of providing clean energy to citizens.

He stated: “Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat's doors are open to investors; let's turn problems into opportunities.”

He further assured that electricity shortage issue will be resolved upon the project’s completion.

sa/ma