TASHKENT Uzbekistan July 21. The Asian
Development Bank (ADB) has launched a $2 million regional technical
assistance (TA) program aimed at supporting Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
and other developing member countries (DMCs) in the early planning
and development of large-scale sustainable hydropower projects,
Trend reports.
These projects will be designed to be safe, climate-resilient,
and compliant with ADB’s stringent environmental, social, and
technical standards as well as international good practices.
The technical assistance will focus on countries with
significant hydropower potential and existing project pipelines,
including Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, in addition to
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Its core objectives are to build
technical, managerial, governance, and institutional capacities
that enable DMCs to plan, design, and implement hydropower projects
that address future energy needs while accounting for climate
change impacts.
Large hydropower projects require comprehensive technical
assessments, including hydrological, geotechnical, seismic, and
environmental-social studies, which are often resource- and
time-intensive. The TA will provide early-stage expert support to
avoid costly project delays and environmental and social risks.
This support includes technical screening, gap analysis, and the
possible engagement of an independent dam safety panel of experts
to ensure compliance with international standards.
The program also promotes innovative digital technologies for
improved data collection, monitoring, forecasting, and climate
resilience in hydropower design and operation. In addition, it aims
to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks for pumped storage
hydropower (PSHP), which is increasingly important for integrating
variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Capacity-building workshops tailored to country-specific needs
will be conducted, with special attention to inclusive
participation, including women stakeholders. These workshops will
foster regional knowledge exchange and help identify legal or
institutional barriers to sustainable hydropower development.
Aligned with ADB’s Energy Policy and the climate action goals of
its Strategy 2030 Midterm Review, this assistance responds to the
growing demand for renewable energy in Asia and the Pacific, where
hydropower remains the largest source of clean electricity.
Funded on a grant basis by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and
Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) and administered by ADB, this
initiative aims to increase the readiness and sustainability of
hydropower projects, ensuring they meet high standards and
contribute significantly to regional clean energy goals.
