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comes as Central Asia braces for a prolonged water scarcity crisis between 2028 and 2029, with an estimated annual deficit of 5-12 km3. Podguzov underscored the crucial role
hydropower plays in the region, not only as a source of electricity but also in regulating river runoff for irrigation purposes. Acknowledging the imminent challenges, he emphasized the region’s commitment to attracting investments for the multipurpose use of water resources, focusing on the development of hydroelectric power and irrigation systems. “Great effort is being made to create a favorable environment for investment in the modernization of existing and the construction of new hydroelectric power plants, as well as in the development of irrigation systems in the region,” stated Podguzov.
Highlighting the dual benefits of mitigating
climate change impact and ensuring economic and social stability, Mr. Podguzov outlined plans for the construction of new hydropower plants and the modernization of existing ones. “Central Asia is one of the few regions globally where hydropower potential remains underdeveloped, with less than 25% currently harnessed. Over 80 hydroelectric power plants with a total installed capacity of around 14,000 MW operate in the region. By 2035, we plan to increase this capacity by 8,900 MW through modernization and new constructions,” he revealed. The notable projects include the 1860MW
Kambaratinskaya Hydropower plant-1 in the Kyrgyz Republic and the 3,600MW Rogunskaya project in Tajikistan. The EDB, as a regional development bank, is poised to invest over $400 million in the water and energy complex of Central Asia in the next three years. This year, the EDB initiated funding for the 100 MW Kulanak hydropower plant in the Kyrgyz Republic and is actively engaged in negotiations for financing other significant projects, including Kambaratinskaya and Rogunskaya.
“As a financial partner in these projects,
we provide a full set of tools for investment in water and energy complex development. This includes issuing long-term loans and green bonds, attracting funds from various financial organizations and private investors, and offering technical assistance for project documentation,” Podguzov stated, encouraging all interested investors to collaborate in the preparation, financing, and implementation of projects focused on hydroelectric power plant construction and modernization in EDB member countries.
US
GE Vernova to upgrade two turbine and generator units at Cushman II hydropower plant GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business has been tasked with upgrading the Cushman II hydropower plant by Tacoma Power. The
project focuses on the refurbishment of two turbine and generator units, each boasting a capacity of 27 MW/33 MVA, out of the three currently operational at the site. The comprehensive scope of work encompasses the design, manufacturing, refurbishment, installation, and commissioning of two new generator stators. Additionally, the project entails the refurbishment of generator rotor poles, shaft thrust bearing, installation of two new turbine distributors, and the refurbishment of the turbine runner and draft tube. Situated in Mason County, Washington, the Cushman II hydropower plant has been generating power since its commissioning in 1930, a capacity of 81MW. This plant plays a crucial role in providing renewable energy to approximately 40,500 homes in the Northwest. Anticipated to be completed by 2026, the upgrade is poised to significantly enhance the availability and reliability of the power plant.
Pakistan WAPDA projects double hydropower capacity and increase water storage to 45 days The completion of eight under-construction water and hydropower projects by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is set to elevate Pakistan’s water security and energy landscape. The completion of these projects will extend the country’s carry-over water capacity from 30 days to 45 days, marking an addition of 9.7 million acre-feet (MAF) in water storage. Simultaneously, WAPDA’s hydropower generation is poised to double, reaching over 18,000MW with an increase of 9043MW. This announcement came during a
comprehensive briefing provided to a delegation from the PAF Air War College Karachi during their visit to WAPDA House on 27 November. Led by Air Commodore Raja Imran Asghar, Deputy President of the College, the delegation comprised officers from Pakistan and allied nations including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. Secretary WAPDA Fakharuzzaman Ali Cheema extended a warm welcome to the delegation, with Advisor (Hydrology and Water Management) Shahid Hamid delivering insights into WAPDA’s role, functions, and development plans. The briefing also covered the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change and water security in Pakistan. Member (Power) WAPDA Jamil Akhtar, along with other senior officers, were present during the session. The delegation learned that WAPDA is
currently undertaking its largest-ever portfolio of development projects in the water and hydropower sectors. These projects, scheduled for completion from 2024 to 2029, aim to enhance water, food, and energy security in
6 | January 2024 |
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Pakistan. Notable initiatives include Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu (Stage-I), Kurram Tangi Dam (Stage-I), Nai Gaj Dam, Kachhi Canal Extension, Tarbela 5th Extension Project, and the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV). In addressing the water and hydropower scenario in Pakistan, the delegation was informed that per capita water availability has declined significantly, reaching 908m3 annum from 5650m3
per in 1951. Pakistan currently
stores only 10% of its annual river flows, far below the global average of 40%.
India
SJVN’s Naitwar Mori hydroelectric project achieves commercial generation milestone
Sh. Nand Lal Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director of SJVN, has announced the successful commencement of commercial operations for the first unit of the 60MW Naitwar Mori hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand, India. The 30MW capacity unit achieved commercial operation on 24 November after undergoing rigorous testing and successful synchronization with the national grid. This accomplishment means SJVN’s total generation capacity is now 2122MW, up from 2091.50MW. Sh. Nand Lal Sharma expressed commendation for the dedicated efforts of project officials and all those involved in making this achievement possible. He highlighted that the project is the fifth hydro project by any Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and the nineteenth project to become operational in the state of Uttarakhand.
Naitwar Mori is a run-of-the-river project
situated on the River Tons, a major tributary of the River Yamuna in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It features two generating units of 30MW each and has been completed within six years from the award of civil works in 2017. The second unit of the project is expected to be commissioned shortly. The project is anticipated to generate 265.5 million units of electricity annually, and the power will be evacuated through a 37km long 220KV Transmission Line from Bainol to Snail, a construction undertaken by SJVN.
Kyrgyz Republic
Masdar and EDF forge partnership with Kyrgyz Republic for 3.6GW of hydro and renewable projects During COP28 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), in collaboration with EDF, has inked an agreement with the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic to explore the development of hydropower and renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of up to 3.6GW. The agreement was formalized in the
presence of H.E. Taalaibek Ibraev, the Kyrgyz Minister of Energy, Ahmed Al Awadi, Masdar’s
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