Tajikistan, a nation abundant in hydropower resources, has unveiled ambitious plans to produce 1 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2040. The Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, disclosed this strategy during his visit to Japan, where he attended a Tokyo energy transition event. This initiative is not only aimed at meeting domestic energy needs but also at exporting green hydrogen to neighboring Central Asian countries.
Juma articulated Tajikistan's vision of achieving 10 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, marking a significant stride toward sustainable energy production. Currently heavily reliant on oil product imports, Tajikistan is taking proactive steps to reduce its dependence by developing a roadmap for green hydrogen production.
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Hydropower serves as the primary source of electricity in Tajikistan, contributing to nearly all of its power generation. The nation traditionally imports the majority of its oil products from Russia. According to the International Energy Agency, Tajikistan has only harnessed approximately 4% of its hydropower potential, leaving significant room for expansion in this sector.
In line with its green hydrogen objectives, Tajikistan aspires to produce 500,000 tons of green hydrogen by 2030 and double that figure by 2040. Minister Juma attributes this ambitious growth to the availability of affordable and competitive electric power. A noteworthy aspect of this plan is the intention to allocate 75% of the produced green hydrogen for export to Central Asian countries that still rely on fossil fuels.
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Acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change, particularly the melting of glaciers, Tajikistan is taking proactive measures to diversify its energy mix. By 2030, the country aims to derive 10% of its electricity from sources other than hydropower, including solar and wind. This diversification strategy is designed to enhance the resilience and sustainability of Tajikistan's energy sector.
Despite these ambitious plans, specific financial details regarding the green hydrogen production initiatives have not been disclosed at this time.
