DABS, Azizi Group ink agreement for launch of 5 power generation schemes

KABUL (Pajhwok): Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and Azizi Energy Investment Company on Wednesday signed a contract for the launch of five power generation projects— producing 330 megawatts of solar energy and 515 megawatts of coal-fired thermal power.

The signing ceremony was held at the Government Media and Information Centre and attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, DABS Chief Executive Officer Abdulhaq Hamkar, Azizi Group Chairman Mirwais Azizi and several cabinet members.

Addressing the ceremony, Hamkar described the contract as an important step for Afghanistan’s future.

He said the projects would generate 100MW of solar power in the Naghlu area of Kabul province, 100MW of solar power in Barikab area of Parwan province, 130MW of solar power in Ghazni, 350MW of thermal power in Baghlan and another 165MW of thermal power in Takhar province.

He added the projects would have a combined capacity of 845MW, with total investment estimated at 463 million US dollars. Solar projects are expected to be completed within two years, while thermal power plants will take between two-and-a-half and three years.

Hamkar said the projects would create employment opportunities for hundreds of people, both directly and indirectly.

Minister of Water and Energy Mullah Mohammad Younus Akhundzada said his ministry would cooperate in implementing the projects and stressed the need to work towards national self-sufficiency.

Minister of Mines and Petroleum Mullah Hedayatullah Badri urged Afghan investors to participate in the exploration and extraction of the country’s oil and gas resources, saying Afghanistan’s rich reserves could meet domestic needs if properly developed.

Azizi said every Afghan had a responsibility towards the country and emphasised that water and electricity were among the most important sectors for development.

He noted factories could not rely on generators and required 24-hour electricity to help Afghanistan achieve self-sufficiency and overcome current economic challenges.

He added further contracts for additional power projects would be signed in the coming months and called on traders and investors to return to Afghanistan and invest across various sectors to help create jobs.

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