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Bayat Power showcases clean energy achievements and vision at Kabul’s Green Growth Forum

Business and development leaders convene in Kabul to advance financing and partnerships for a greener future

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In a landmark effort to boost Afghanistan’s renewable energy sector and accelerate economic recovery, Kabul this week hosted the “Partnerships for Green Growth: Business-to-Business Convening on Renewable Energy Investments.”

Held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 25 and 26, the high-level event brought together national and international stakeholders under the theme “Accelerating Investments Through Partnerships and Facilitating Access to Finance.”

Amidst a fragile but gradually recovering economy, Afghanistan continues to face a stark energy deficit that hampers industrial growth, limits delivery of essential public services, and impacts the quality of life for millions. Despite vast solar, wind, and hydro resources, only a fraction of the country’s renewable energy potential has been harnessed.

According to UNDP, this persistent energy gap is a major development challenge. “Closing this gap requires urgent and inclusive investment, with a strong focus on scaling up renewable energy solutions that are resilient, decentralized, and adapted to Afghanistan’s diverse geography,” the agency stated.

“Attracting investment in the renewable energy sector is not only necessary, but also strategically advantageous,” UNDP added.

“The Afghan energy market holds considerable potential, particularly in regions where off-grid and mini-grid systems can rapidly transform local economies” – UNDP

The agency emphasized that unlocking this potential requires proactive dialogue and collaboration among development partners, the private sector, and local stakeholders, along with showcasing bankable opportunities and de-risking tools.

This week’s forum served as a strategic platform to address these issues by connecting investors, development partners, and policymakers to explore new financing models and partnerships.

Organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), and the Afghanistan International Bank (AIB), the conference spotlighted the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF)—an initiative designed to mobilize sustainable investments using Shariah-compliant financial tools and blended finance models.

Bayat Power Highlights Local Capacity and Innovation

A key voice at the event was Bayat Power, Afghanistan’s first private company in over 40 years to establish and operate a domestic gas-fired power plant.

In his address to delegates, Lutfullah Stanikzai, Business Development Director of Bayat Power, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to energy independence.

Founded in 2013 under the Bayat Group, the company launched Bayat Power-1 in 2019 as a public-private partnership with DABS, the Ministry of Energy and Water, Afghan Gas State-owned Company, Siemens Energy, and others. Since then, the plant has produced over 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, powering homes, hospitals, schools, mosques and businesses across the country.

Stanikzai emphasized the company’s use of cutting-edge technologies—including Siemens’ SGT-A45 mobile gas turbines, among the most efficient in the world—and its deployment of over 1,000 smart meters in Kabul as part of a pilot project to improve grid efficiency.

“Our efforts have not only powered essential public services but also generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs, contributing to economic stability and workforce development,” Stanikzai said. He added that Bayat Power’s tax contributions and gas purchases support national revenue generation.

“Afghanistan deserves cutting-edge solutions, not outdated technology,” he stressed. “We are committed to deploying modern systems that offer both performance and environmental sustainability.”

Looking ahead, Bayat Power is expanding into solar, wind, and thermal energy projects and seeking to engage international partners for technical collaboration and investment.

“Our long-term vision aligns with Afghanistan’s goal of a resilient and self-reliant energy future,” Stanikzai concluded.

Bayat Power’s presentation stood out as a compelling example of what can be achieved through innovation, private-public collaboration, and a deep commitment to national development.

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Kabul’s Omid Sabz Township declared state-owned, occupants told to seek compensation from seller

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Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice says that more than 1,500 jeribs of land known as Omid Sabz Township (Haji Nabi Township) in Kabul has been legally determined to be state-owned, and that current occupants should seek compensation from the party that sold them the land.

Barakatullah Rasouli, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, said the Special Court for State Land Grabbing Cases ruled that the land is officially registered and surveyed in the state’s name across five cadastral plots and has never been transferred to any individual or legal entity.

The court also ordered that the property be handed over to the Commission for the Prevention of Land Grabbing and the Restitution of Grabbed Land for implementation of the ruling.

The Ministry of Justice stressed that the commission is legally responsible for enforcing the Special Court’s rulings in cases involving state-owned land.

 

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Turkmenistan reviews TAPI pipeline progress at government energy meeting

TAPI’s gas supply will come from the Galkynysh field, one of the world’s largest natural gas deposits, with estimated reserves exceeding 27 trillion cubic metres.

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Turkmenistan has reviewed progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding hydrocarbon production during a government meeting of the country’s oil and gas sector.

According to a statement issued by state-owned Turkmennebit on Monday, the meeting assessed the performance of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas industry during the first seven months of 2026. Senior officials from Turkmennebit, Turkmengaz, Turkmengeology, TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd. and other energy enterprises presented reports on ongoing projects and sector developments.

The statement said particular attention was given to construction of the Serhetabat-Herat section of the TAPI pipeline, with officials emphasizing that work is being carried out in line with international standards.

Participants also discussed priorities for the sector’s future growth, including expanding geological exploration, increasing production drilling to identify new hydrocarbon reserves, boosting oil and natural gas output, and improving the quality of extracted resources.

The 1,800-kilometre TAPI pipeline is designed to transport up to 33 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The project is regarded by Ashgabat as a key route for diversifying its gas exports while strengthening regional energy cooperation and economic integration.

TAPI’s gas supply will come from the Galkynysh field, one of the world’s largest natural gas deposits, with estimated reserves exceeding 27 trillion cubic metres. In April 2026, Turkmengaz and China’s CNPC launched the fourth phase of the field’s development, a project expected to add up to 10 billion cubic metres of commercial gas production annually through new production facilities and additional wells.

The pipeline has also attracted renewed international attention. In June, the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School said TAPI is re-emerging as an important regional energy project, highlighting its potential to connect Turkmenistan’s vast gas resources with growing demand in South Asia.

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Mullah Baradar visits flood-hit Nuristan, pledges continued support for victims

A delegation of private sector representatives also accompanied Baradar during the visit and provided cash assistance to families affected by the floods.

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Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Monday visited the eastern province of Nuristan to express solidarity with families affected by the recent deadly floods and reaffirm the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to supporting those impacted.

According to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Baradar offered condolences to the families of those killed in the floods, praying for the victims to be granted paradise and wishing a swift recovery to those injured.

He said that immediately after the disaster, officials from the relevant government institutions were dispatched to the affected areas and used all available resources to carry out rescue operations and assist flood victims.

Baradar assured affected families that the Islamic Emirate would continue to provide assistance using all available means, emphasizing that government officials consider it their responsibility to respond to the needs of the people in a timely manner.

A delegation of private sector representatives also accompanied Baradar during the visit and provided cash assistance to families affected by the floods.

According to the statement, local religious scholars, tribal elders and flood-affected residents welcomed the delegation’s visit and expressed appreciation for the government’s support during a difficult time. They also shared their concerns and requests with the deputy prime minister.

Baradar pledged that the relevant authorities would take the necessary steps to address the issues raised by local residents.

The visit comes as Afghan authorities continue relief and recovery efforts in Nuristan following recent floods that caused fatalities, injuries and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

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