In 2024, Tajikistan achieved a remarkable milestone in its electricity sector, where more than 88% of its electricity comes from low-carbon sources, specifically hydropower. This feat highlights the country's longstanding commitment to clean and sustainable energy generation. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, make up around 10% of the electricity mix, predominantly from coal, which accounts for just over 8%, and a smaller fraction from gas, under 2%. This heavy reliance on low-carbon hydropower positions Tajikistan as a leader in clean energy use. However, to fully clean the entire energy system, including transport, heating, and industry, the country will need to significantly increase its electricity production to meet these additional demands.
Tajikistan can continue its path towards more extensive clean electricity use by diversifying and expanding its low-carbon energy generation. Investing in nuclear power could provide a robust and reliable addition to the energy mix, complementing hydropower's predominance. Likewise, the development and expansion of wind and solar power would optimize the use of the nation’s geographical and climatic potential, providing a more balanced and resilient energy system. These steps, alongside enhancing energy efficiency, can ensure that Tajikistan accommodates future growth in electricity demand while maintaining its low carbon footprint.
The history of low-carbon electricity in Tajikistan has been predominantly shaped by hydropower, with fluctuating changes over the years. In the early 1990s, hydropower generation saw some variability, with a slight decrease in 1992 followed by a moderate increase in 1993. Moving into the mid to late 1990s, hydropower faced some setbacks, notably in 1995 and 1997, countered by occasional gains such as the growth seen in 1999. The early 2000s marked a period of recovery, characterized by several years of positive growth in hydropower, particularly in 2003 and 2005. Since 2010, the growth has been largely positive, highlighted by significant gains in 2018 and 2022, reflecting a general trend towards stabilizing and increasing hydropower output. This historical trajectory underlines the resilience and potential for growth in Tajikistan's low-carbon electricity sector.