Saudi fund loans $100m for construction of long-awaited Tajikistan hydropower project

Rogun Dam, Tajikistan (Image: Webuild)

The Saudi Fund for Development has signed a loan deal worth US$100 million with Tajikistan for the construction of the Rogun Hydropower project.

The Rogun Dam was a long-stalled project, construction of which started in the Soviet era in 1976 before being abandoned in 1993.

But it has since been revived by the Tajik government and work is currently underway.

Italian contractor Webuild is building the clay core rockfill dam, which will reportedly be the tallest in the world at 335 metres, with a crest length of 800m. Webuild reported in August that work on the dam was around 30% complete.

Sitting on the Vakhsh river the dam’s power station will have six turbines of 600 MW each, with a total installed capacity of 3,600 MW.

In a deal between Webuild and the state-run Rogun Hydropower Project company, work is split into four lots. The first lots see the diversion of the Vakhsh River via two diversion tunnels in a mountainside to keep the foundations of the dam dry.

Once the dam is complete, it is expected to double energy production in the country.

It will also provide flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic tunnels for diversion and drainage, as well as providing drinking water through desalination.

Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) chief executive officer Sultan Al-Marshad said, “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan’s energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy.”