Azizi Energy has signed a cooperation agreement with China’s Shanghai Electric to develop power projects with a combined capacity of 3,000 megawatts in Afghanistan, as the company seeks to expand domestic electricity generation and reduce reliance on imported power.
Mirwais Azizi, owner of the Azizi companies, said the planned power plants are expected to be developed over the next four years. The projects will use a mix of coal, natural gas and solar energy, according to the company.
The agreement forms part of a broader plan by Azizi Energy to develop up to 10,000 MW of electricity-generation capacity in Afghanistan. The programme is aimed at increasing domestic power production and making greater use of the country’s energy resources.
Azizi Energy also said construction is already underway on three solar power projects with a combined capacity of 330 MW in Kabul, Parwan and Ghazni provinces.
Afghanistan continues to face persistent electricity shortages and relies heavily on imported power to meet domestic demand. Expanding domestic generation has been identified as a key requirement for strengthening the country’s electricity network and supporting economic activity.
If completed, the planned projects could significantly increase Afghanistan’s domestic power-generation capacity and provide additional electricity for households and industry. However, the projects will require substantial investment, construction and transmission infrastructure before the planned capacity can become operational.
The announcement does not indicate that the full 3,000 MW capacity is currently operational, and the timeline remains dependent on financing, construction and the development of the necessary electricity grid infrastructure.
