The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) has presented a long-term Power System Plan (PSP) for Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (VMKB), outlining development options through 2050. The plan was introduced on 9 December 2025 at a ministerial meeting attended by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and other national agencies.
The PSP, now in its final review stage, has been submitted to the Government of Tajikistan for discussion and potential implementation. It sets out a roadmap for a low-carbon, climate-resilient power system in VMKB, emphasising sustainable hydropower alongside solar PV and pumped storage.
A central feature of the plan is the integration of two HSA tools: HydroSelect, used for hydropower site selection, and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), a global framework for assessing and certifying project performance. According to HSA, embedding these tools in the planning process is intended to ensure that future hydropower development is transparent, environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.
Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and developed with Pamir Energy, the PSP offers the first integrated evaluation of how VMKB can meet rising demand while keeping system costs and impacts low. As electricity use increases, particularly for heating and transport, the plan assesses four development pathways and identifies a mix of hydropower, solar PV and pumped storage as the most sustainable and resilient option.
Daler Juma, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, said: “The presented Power System Plan will enable us to build a long-term vision for VMKB, outlining how we can meet rising energy demand while supporting regional development, energy security and climate resilience.”
HSA’s approach in Tajikistan builds on several years of collaboration. The Sebzor Hydropower Project in VMKB became the world’s first project certified under the HSS, implemented by Pamir Energy with financial and technical support from the German Government and the European Union through KfW.
If adopted, the PSP would be the first power planning framework globally to directly incorporate internationally recognised sustainability assessment tools for hydropower. “Tajikistan is showing the world what sustainability-led energy planning looks like,” said Alain Kilajian, HSA Deputy Executive Director. “HydroSelect will guide transparent, early-stage site comparisons, while the Hydropower Sustainability Standard will ensure that every future project will meet clear, credible ESG requirements. This is one of the most comprehensive applications of HSA’s tools to date, and we are proud to support Tajikistan as it charts a resilient, low-carbon future.”
The plan also reflects progress made under Pamir Energy’s 25-year concession, which expanded access to affordable and reliable electricity across VMKB. Over the next 25 years, the PSP proposes diversification through additional run-of-river hydropower, solar PV and potential pumped storage.
Amrikhon Raimov, CEO of Pamir Energy, said: “The proposed plan presents a balanced and forward-looking pathway for the region. We welcome the integration of HydroSelect and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, which together give us a clear and responsible framework for selecting, designing and delivering the right projects in the right places.”
The preferred Diversified Renewables (DIV) scenario will require further modelling of storage needs, identification of suitable solar and hydropower sites, and a five-year review cycle to adjust for technological and local developments. The Tajikistan Government will now consider next steps for implementation.
