| World news Tajikistan World Bank approves $350 million grant for Rogun hydropower plant


The World Bank has approved a $350 million International Development Association (IDA) grant to support the first phase of Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower plant project. The plant, with a planned capacity of 3780MW, aims to improve electricity access for 10 million people in Tajikistan and address persistent winter power shortages. Approximately 70% of the electricity generated will be exported to Kazakhstan and Uzbeki-stan, replacing fossil fuel-based power and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “The Rogun Hydropower Project can help Tajikistan and countries in Central Asia to accel-erate their path to adopting clean energy, boost economic growth, and enhance climate re-silience,” said Antonella Bassani, the World Bank Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia. “Once the project is completed, households and businesses will be able to rely on much needed uninterrupted, affordable, and clean energy supply. The World Bank brings substantial knowledge and experience to a project of this scale, from economic reforms to implementing large infrastructure under robust environmental and social standards.” The Government of Tajikistan has committed to allocating 3% of electricity sales to a na-tionwide Benefit Sharing Program (BSP) during the construction period, increasing to 5% post-completion.


These funds will support vulnerable populations through social safety net programs. The Rogun hydropower plant is projected to cost $6.29 billion, financed by project reve-nues, domestic resources, and contributions from development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and others. The World Bank’s involvement aims to ensure that the project adheres to international fi-nancial, environmental, and social standards while mitigating risks to Tajikistan’s fiscal health. “Rogun hydropower plant is an important regional project,” said Charles Cormier, World Bank Director for Infrastructure in Europe and Central Asia. “In addition to alleviating energy shortages in Tajikistan and helping decarbonize grids in fossil- dependent Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Rogun hydropower plant can help balance services for intermittent sources like solar and wind to accelerate the clean energy transition in the region. Once completed, it will promote the development of a regional electricity market and enhance regional cooper-ation on energy.” Beyond energy generation, the Rogun hydropower plant will enhance water security and climate resilience, using its reservoir to mitigate downstream flooding risks and support other hydropower facilities.


Scotland Coire Glas project achieves key development milestone Britain’s largest natural battery project has reached a significant milestone, with SSE completing a £100 million exploratory works program at its Coire Glas site in the Scottish Highlands. This initiative marks the first major pumped storage hydro scheme in the UK in over 40 years. The milestone saw SSE drill and blast a 1.2 km tunnel into the hillside, gathering crucial geological data for the project’s design. Over 90,000 tonnes of rock and earth were excavated during this phase, laying the groundwork for what could be a transformative asset in the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure. Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro at SSE Renewables, emphasized the importance of recent government measures supporting long- duration electricity storage. “The decision earlier this year to introduce a cap and floor investment framework was a massive step forward in delivering more of the flexible homegrown energy the UK needs to enable clean power by 2030 and our transition to net zero by 2050,” Bryce stated. Coire Glas, with a projected 1.3GW output and up to 30GWh of storage capacity, could supply electricity to three million homes for 24 hours. This capacity would nearly double Great Britain’s current electricity storage, allowing more effective use of renewable energy. The UK Government is planning to introduce a cap and floor framework to foster investment in such projects, while the National Energy


System Operator (NESO) identified pumped storage hydro as critical for achieving clean power goals by 2030. “We are encouraged to see that NESO has identified pumped storage as critical to both its potential pathways to achieve clean power by 2030,” Bryce added. “We eagerly await the UK Government’s response to the CP30 Report, which is expected to set out the practical steps Government will now take to make that pathway a reality.” Scotland’s geography provides an ideal


environment for pumped storage, storing surplus low-carbon power for times when renewable generation dips. Coire Glas can ramp up to full generating capacity in under 60 seconds and begin generating in just 10 seconds, enhancing grid stability. The predominantly civil engineering project


is expected to boost the UK economy and local supply chains, with significant domestic spending. If the cap and floor framework progresses swiftly, SSE anticipates Coire Glas could contribute to the energy grid by the early 2030s.


North America


Québec secures major hydropower deal with Labrador to ensure energy future Québec has taken a significant step toward bolstering its energy security with a new agreement in principle for hydroelectric power generation in Labrador. The deal guarantees access to 7200MW of clean energy for the next 50 years, at costs lower than any other


renewable energy option in North America. The agreement extends Québec’s access


to power from the existing Churchill Falls generation facility and includes plans for expanded capacity. New developments will add power through upgrades at Churchill Falls, the construction of a new station on the same site, and a facility at Gull Island. Together, these projects will generate 9190MW, with Hydro-Québec purchasing 7200MW and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro receiving the remaining 1990MW. Hydro-Québec will pay an average net cost of 4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for power from the existing Churchill Falls site (adjusted to 2024 dollars). Electricity from the new developments will cost an average of 11 cents/kWh, well below the 13 cents/kWh forecasted in Québec’s Action Plan 2035. Combining the costs of both existing and new sources, the average price for Labrador power will be 6 cents/kWh – 50% less than other renewable alternatives. The agreement not only ensures low-cost


energy but also enables Hydro-Québec to cap annual residential rate increases at 3%, while limiting commercial and industrial increases to between 4% and 5%. This affordability will help maintain competitive electricity rates for households and businesses alike. Hydro-Québec emphasized its commitment


to working transparently with Indigenous communities in both Québec and Labrador throughout the development process. The company pledged to involve Indigenous partners in project studies and implementation, addressing environmental concerns and


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