Is solar energy a viable alternative to electricity in Tajikistan?

According to the Agency of Hydrometeorology of Tajikistan, the duration of sunshine in the country is 2100-3166 hours per year, and the number of sunny days per year ranges from 260 to 300. This provides great opportunities for the use of solar energy as an alternative, especially in mountainous regions where there are no power lines.

How much solar energy can be used in Tajikistan?

Preliminary calculations of the Ministry of Energy of Tajikistan have shown that the potential for the use of solar energy is 3,103 billion kWh per year. This amount would be enough to cover the winter power shortage partially in Tajikistan in regions of the country where 70% of the population lives.

What is the capacity of a solar power plant in Tajikistan?

The solar power station has a capacity of 220 kW. For comparison, the capacity of the smallest hydropower plant in Tajikistan – Varzob Hydropower Plant-3 is 3.52 MW, and the largest operating hydroelectric power plant – Nurek – 3000 MW and it generates 70% of electricity consumed in Tajikistan.

What are alternative energy sources in Tajikistan?

In Tajikistan, alternative energy sources account for approximately 2% of the total energy balance and are mainly micro and mini-hydro power plants, 95% are large hydropower plants, and 3% are thermal power plants that use coal. About 300 small HPPs have been built in the country.

Can wind energy compete with Tajikistan's hydropower potential?

Given this data, we can say that wind energy can compete with the country’s hydropower potential. Judging by information from the Ministry of Energy of Tajikistan, there are only 9 wind turbines with a total capacity of 5.1 kilowatts and 2,433 solar generators with a total capacity of only 8.87 kilowatts in the country.