Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Launch Power Line to Connect Energy Systems under CASA-1000 Project

The 500 kV Datka-Sogd power transmission line, which connects the energy systems of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, was officially launched on Monday, according to the press service of the Tajik president.

The 480 km power line was officially launched via an online ceremony by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov from Khujand, Tajikistan. The power line was constructed as part of implementing the regional CASA-1000 project, The Caspian Post reports citing Interfax.

The CASA-1000 (Central Asia - South Asia) project is an infrastructure initiative that will facilitate transmission of 1.3 GW of surplus electricity from Central Asian countries to high-demand electricity markets in South Asia.

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan - two Central Asian countries with some of the world's largest hydropower resources - generate an electricity surplus during summer months, when summer rains and abundant mountain water flows occur. Neighboring South Asian countries Afghanistan and Pakistan face acute electricity shortages, particularly in summer.

Construction work in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were completed in 2025. Pakistan is expected to complete its construction work by August this year. Work continues in Afghanistan with completion anticipated by the end of 2026. The CASA-1000 project is forecast to become fully operational in 2027.

The total project cost exceeds $1.2 billion, with the Tajik and Kyrgyz sections accounting for approximately $544 million.

The CASA-1000 project receives financing from the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Islamic Development Bank, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

The project involves constructing 1,387 km of transmission lines and two converter stations to transmit 1.3 GW.