Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in the energy sector was discussed during the International Conference "Afghanistan: security and economic development", held in Tashkent on 25-26 July this year at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Sherzod Khodjaev spoke about the implementation of joint projects in this direction within the framework of the session “Reconstruction of Afghanistan - the basis of lasting peace in Afghanistan”.

In particular, the work carried out within the framework of the investment project "Construction of a 500 kV transmission line Surkhan-Puli-Khumri" in Afghanistan was noted. As a result of the implementation of this project, Afghanistan will be provided with a daily supply of 24 million kWh or 6 billion kWh per year.

The total length of the 500 kV transmission line Surkhan-Puli-Khumri (Khoja-Alvon) is 245.6 km. Of these, 45 km falls on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan and 200.6 km - on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The total cost of the Design, Build and Operate (DBO) contract for the Surkhan-Puli-Khumri project in Afghanistan is US$100.1 million.

In December 2020, a contract was signed between National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan JSC and Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat on the design, construction and operation of power lines in Afghanistan (DBO).

Since July 2021, the implementation of the project in Afghanistan has been suspended due to well-known political and social events.

At present, the project has completed the construction of a 500 kV power transmission network on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan (45 km from the Surkhan substation to the border with Afghanistan).

As part of the project, it was agreed to extend the start date for construction work in Afghanistan until 31 August 2022.

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat is currently awaiting funding for the project from the Asian Development Bank.

During the session, this and other economic projects aimed at the development of Afghanistan were discussed.