Afghanistan Approves Five-Year Power Development Plan
A five-year electricity development plan for Afghanistan, previously approved by the Economic Commission chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, has now received final approval from the Leader of the Islamic Emirate.
Under the plan, 25 power generation projects using domestic energy sources—including hydropower, solar, wind, and coal—will be implemented.
The program also includes the completion of unfinished projects and the launch of new initiatives in power transmission lines, substations, and electricity distribution networks.
The plan consists of the following key components:
1. Domestic Power Generation Projects
Completion and implementation of 25 power generation projects using domestic resources.
Completion of 13 ongoing projects.
Launch of 23 new projects.
2. Substation Projects
Completion of 21 unfinished substation projects.
Launch of 21 new substation projects.
3. Power Infrastructure Development
Implementation of 34 power infrastructure development projects.
A number of experts say expanding Afghanistan’s electricity infrastructure could play a vital role in boosting economic growth, strengthening industries, and creating employment opportunities.
They believe that successful implementation of the five-year plan would increase the country’s electricity generation and transmission capacity while reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on imported power.
Economic analyst Abdul Shakoor Hadawal said: “If this five-year plan is fully implemented, there is no doubt that Afghanistan can achieve self-sufficiency in the electricity sector within the next five years. As a result, millions of Afghanis currently spent on importing electricity from other countries would instead be invested in the country’s own energy resources.”
Despite its significant potential for generating electricity from domestic resources, Afghanistan still imports around 80 percent of its electricity needs, primarily from Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
