The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Al-Haj Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, officially inaugurated the construction of a 40-megawatt solar power project in Mohammad Agha district, Logar province.
Mullah Baradar described the initiation of the project as a significant opportunity for both Logar province and the broader economic development of Afghanistan. He stated that, upon completion, the project would contribute to mitigating the power deficit in Logar, particularly benefiting the local population and the industrial park. Furthermore, it is expected to stimulate industrial activity and generate employment for a substantial number of Afghans.
He underscored that electricity is an essential prerequisite for national development. Afghanistan, he noted, is placing particular emphasis on expanding all sources of energy production with the objective of reducing reliance on imported electricity.
In his remarks, he further stated that, since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate, notable advancements have occurred within the energy sector, alongside progress in other domains. Renewable energy initiatives have been launched across several provinces. Parallel to electricity generation, efforts are underway in the areas of distribution, regulation, and the delivery of power to industrial zones and residential areas.
Mullah Baradar Akhund reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s firm commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency in Afghanistan, aiming not only to meet domestic electricity needs but also to establish the capacity for electricity exports. This ambition, he said, is being pursued through water resource management and a series of medium- and long-term strategies focused on the effective utilization of solar and wind energy.
He urged the contracted companies to ensure the highest standards of construction and to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
The project in Mohammad Agha district comprises two primary components: the construction of a 40-megawatt solar power facility with an estimated cost of $28 million, and the development of a 126 megavolt-ampere substation alongside transmission line extensions, costing $7.6 million.
The project is scheduled for completion within 18 months. Upon finalization, it will provide electricity to 40,000 households in the area and address the power shortage in the Mohammad Agha industrial park.
