Kabul and Ashgabat Advance Talks to Launch TAP Power Transmission Project

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) announced active negotiations with Turkmenistan to finalize the roadmap for implementing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) Power Transmission Project within Afghanistan. The project aims to transmit 1,000 megawatts of electricity through Herat and Kandahar provinces to Quetta, Pakistan.

Significant Economic Benefits for Afghanistan

Turkmenistan has committed to the project, which will enable Afghanistan to receive 300 to 350 megawatts of electricity annually. Additionally, Afghanistan is expected to earn between $100 to $150 million per year in transit fees, doubling the income it currently receives from the CASA-1000 transmission line.

Strategic Infrastructure and Energy Utilization

Afghanistan has requested the establishment of substations in Herat and Kandahar to fully utilize one circuit of the transmission line domestically, while the second circuit will supply electricity to Pakistan. This arrangement aims to maximize benefits for Afghanistan’s energy needs and economic development.

Regional Cooperation and Broader Connectivity

The TAP project complements other regional initiatives such as the TAPI gas pipeline and the Torghundi-Spin Boldak railway, all of which are expected to enhance Afghanistan’s role as a transit hub and stimulate economic growth. Turkmenistan has expanded cooperation with Afghanistan since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, focusing on energy, trade, and transit infrastructure.

High-Level Coordination and Implementation Roadmap

A technical meeting hosted by DABS brought together representatives from multiple Afghan ministries and Turkmenistan’s energy officials to review agreements, clarify action plans, and establish a joint committee to oversee the project. The discussions emphasized transparency, national consensus, and coordinated implementation under directives from Afghanistan’s Office of the Prime Minister.

Support from International Partners

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged financial and technical support for TAP, including $150 million in funding and assistance with feasibility studies, regulatory frameworks, and project planning. This support aims to ensure the project’s successful completion and integration with existing regional power networks.

Regional Impact and Future Prospects

Experts highlight TAP’s potential to strengthen Afghanistan’s transit position, help meet Pakistan’s energy demands, and address electricity shortages in western Afghanistan. The project is seen as a critical step toward regional peace, stability, and economic development by fostering energy trade and cooperation among Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

This renewed momentum signals a promising future for Afghanistan’s energy sector and regional integration through the TAP power transmission project.