Tajikistan's Floating Solar Project Secures ADB Grant

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $1 million grant to support the development of floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Tajikistan, marking a step forward in introducing an emerging energy technology to the mountainous Central Asian country.

According to ADB’s Country Director in Tajikistan, Ko Sakamoto, the initiative is designed to capitalize on the country’s abundant solar radiation and extensive water resources, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

“This innovative initiative aims to make the most of what Tajikistan has to offer: sun and water,” Sakamoto said.

The project is intended to lay the groundwork for a reliable, year-round, and environmentally sustainable energy supply, contributing to the country’s long-term energy security and clean energy transition.

With 93% of its territory covered by mountains, Tajikistan faces limited availability of flat land, most of which is allocated for agriculture or housing. These conditions make the construction of ground-mounted solar power facilities prohibitively expensive.

However, the country’s extensive network of reservoirs, with high solar exposure and pre-existing infrastructure, offers a viable alternative. Floating solar systems are being explored as a cost-effective and land-efficient solution to expand renewable energy output without displacing essential land uses.

Under the ADB grant, technical experts will assess up to five reservoirs to evaluate their suitability for floating PV installation. The results will inform a detailed feasibility study for the construction of a large-scale floating solar plant at one selected site.

The grant will also fund the modernization of the financial management system of Barki Tojik, the state-owned energy company. This component aims to improve the company’s operational efficiency and financial transparency.