KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan has the potential to generate more than 220 gigawatts (GW) of solar power but currently imports over 80 percent of its electricity requirements, spending more than $280 million annually, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says.
In a statement posted on its X account to mark Afghanistan Energy Week, UNDP said the country remained heavily dependent on imported electricity despite its considerable solar energy potential.
The agency said Afghanistan had the capacity to generate more than 220 GW of solar power, although a large section of its population still lacked access to reliable and uninterrupted electricity.
UNDP stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and partnerships to expand access to clean, sustainable and reliable energy across the country.
Afghanistan Energy Week, scheduled for November 9 and 10 this year, provides an opportunity to promote collaboration and partnerships to develop the country’s energy sector.
The UN agency added that stronger partnerships could play a significant role in harnessing Afghanistan’s solar energy potential and improving access to electricity for its population.
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