Objective. The objective of this USAID-funded project is to provide the people of Kabul with additional reliable and sustainable electric power through the design and construction of a new 105 megawatt (MW) power plant with capacity to provide electricity to approximately 500,000 people.

Background. On September 19, 2007, the Ministry of Energy and Water announced that President Karzai had issued a decree dedicating land just outside Kabul on Jalalabad Road for the construction of a 105 MW power plant consisting of 18 medium-speed (6.3 MW each) reciprocating diesel engines. In November 2007 land surveying and site cleanup work began. In short order, contractors were hired to build a three kilometer long stone perimeter wall and to demine the project area. Geotechnical investigations began, followed by detailed design, site development, and construction work on the plant itself.

Status.: At the inauguration ceremony on August 5, 2009, the President of Afghanistan, the U.S Ambassador and the Afghanistan Minister of Energy and Water energized the initial 35 MW of electricity at the Tarakhil Power Plant.

The Tarakhil Power Plant consists of three blocks, A, B and C. All three Blocks have been capable of and are dispatching 35MW, for a total of 105Mw, to the grid as of December 8, 2009. Power is dispatched, as directed by Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS). To date the power plant has been operational for 955.15 hours, and has produced,19,214 MW Hours to the grid. Concrete roadways within the power plant complex are now being completed, allowing easy access to all areas of the plant facility.

The project has operated safely with no injuries and has included safety training for a large number of Afghan nationals who help to support safe work practices. DABS operations personnel are also being trained to operate and maintain the power plant, which will employ approximately 150 full time management, procurement, security, operations and maintenance professionals. Successful training on diesel operations has been conducted using repetition of limited functions which slowly incorporated complete Operations and Maintenance (O&M) functions. A very detailed training program – including the use of innovative and unique visual techniques that supplement written manuals – is being utilized. Visual aids help overcome language barriers and facilitate “hands on” learning.

Anticipated Impact: Now at full capacity, the Tarakhil Power Plant provides the people of Kabul with an additional 105 MW of reliable, sustainable power enabling the national utility to meet an additional 24 percent of the demand for electric energy expected in Kabul during peak demand periods. This complements the power already being produced by the Kabul North West thermal plant and the hydropower plants serving Kabul, as well as the power being imported from Uzbekistan and, as expected in the future, from Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. The power generated by the new 105 MW plant will help improve the quality of life of Kabul residents and others living in communities served by the North East Power System (NEPS). The availability of reliable power is expected to lead to increased sales of electrical appliances and enable businesses and schools to remain open longer. It will also attract investment in new industrial and commercial enterprises, leading to new job opportunities and economic growth.

News:

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Appreciation Ceremony Honors Power Plant Builders

Kabul Gets 105 MW Energy Boost

"First Power Effort in Kabul Benefits People of Afghanistan," from Forbes Online

Pre-Construction Activities for 100MW Power Plant in Kabul are Underway

IRP Selects Generator Supplier for 100 MW Kabul Power Plant

Superintendent Observes Testing To Ensure Delivery of Top Quality Generators for Kabul Power Plant

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