Objective. The objective of this USAID funded project is to finalize a preliminary concept design for all civil, architectural, electrical, and mechanical work and equipment for a 500/220 kV substation at Andkhoy in Northern Afghanistan. The project also includes preparation of tender documents and facilitating the efficient procurement of all necessary supplies and equipment. This project is a component of the North East Power System (NEPS).

Background. The ultimate goal of the NEPS program is to provide least-cost power to cities and towns in the northeast of Afghanistan including Kabul, as well as provinces in the south. The main NEPS load center is Kabul, and considerable growth of industrial, commercial, and residential loads are anticipated over future years. The generation capacity around Kabul falls short of the current demand projections and further generating additions are needed.

In line with the recommendation stipulated in the final report prepared by the international consultant Maunsell, dated January 2006 and funded by Asian Development Bank, and in response to a request by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRoA), USAID is funding the design of a 500 kV transmission line from the Turkmenistan border (north of Andkhoy) to Andkhoy. The purpose is to support the import of at least 300 megawatts of power from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan.

Status. An IRoA delegation met with Turkmenistan officials in April 2008 to discuss the technical issues associated with the importation of 300 MW of power from Turkmenistan. The result of these discussions was that Turkmenistan agreed to provide power to Afghanistan via a 500 kV single-circuit transmission line from the Turkmenistan- Afghanistan border to the proposed 500/220 kV substation in Andkhoy to allow for the flow of the imported power from Turkmenistan to the 220 kV transmission lines in the NEPS.

Conceptual design of the transmission line has been completed and has been provided to Turkmenistan technical counterparts for review and comment. Concrete progress in the power purchase agreement between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan is required before USAID can consider funding the substation. This affects the timing of the tender release, as tender validity needs to coincide with the available funding commitments.

Anticipated Impact. Once commissioned, the 500 kV transmission line and 500/220 kV substation at Andkhoy with tie lines into the NEPS will be a key component of the NEPS and a major contributor to the government's ability to meet the electrical demands of Kabul and other communities in northeastern Afghanistan.