Tajikistan stands out in the global landscape for its achievement in sourcing electricity from low-carbon energy, with over 88% of its electricity coming from such sources. Impressively, all of this low-carbon electricity is generated from hydropower. This marks Tajikistan as a leader in clean electricity production, significantly reducing its reliance on polluting fossil fuels. Currently, fossil energy sources, mainly coal and gas, contribute a modest 10% to the electricity mix. With almost no reliance on polluting energy and an abundance of clean power, Tajikistan is in a prime position to take on the challenge of further electrifying sectors like transport, heating, and industry.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tajikistan?
However, despite its impressive low-carbon dominance, overall electricity consumption in Tajikistan has not been on the rise since its historic peak in 1990, when electricity consumption was 3583 kWh per person. In 2024, the consumption stood at 2143 kWh per person, which is a noticeable decline of about 1440 kWh per person from the past record. Notably, the amount of low-carbon electricity generated per person in 2024 has also decreased, standing at 1904 kWh compared to the previous peak at 3056 kWh per person in 1990, indicating a decline of around 1152 kWh per person. This trend warrants attention and strategic planning to rejuvenate electricity growth and maximize the use of clean energy resources.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation and address the electricity consumption gap, Tajikistan can invest in expanding solar and nuclear energy infrastructure. Solar power provides an excellent complement to existing hydropower due to its abundance and low environmental impact. Meanwhile, nuclear energy is a powerful tool for delivering a stable and reliable electricity supply, helping to meet the additional demand from electrification. Expanding these sources will not only increase the availability of clean electricity but also strengthen energy security and mitigate the adverse impacts associated with fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Tajikistan, dominated by hydro, has seen fluctuations over the decades. In the early 1990s, there was some growth, with an increase in 1993, but then a series of declines in the mid-1990s. The late 1990s through to the 2000s were characterized by modest improvements, with certain years like 1999 and 2003 seeing notable increases in hydroelectric output. The periods of growth have been interspersed with occasional declines, such as in 2008 and 2020. Since 2021, there has been a consistent upward trend in hydroelectric output, signifying a renewed commitment to enhancing this critical sector of low-carbon electricity generation. This historical perspective underscores the importance of sustained investment and innovation in enhancing clean electricity infrastructure to power Tajikistan’s future.
