Afghanistan, Turkmenistan discuss 500-kV power transmission project

Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have held technical talks on the development of a 500-kilovolt power transmission line and the Nur-ul-Jihad substation in Herat Province.

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) announced the meeting in a statement on September 15, saying it brought together representatives of Afghanistan’s national power utility and a technical delegation from Turkmenistan.

According to DABS, the two sides reviewed the current status of the projects, technical capabilities, implementation procedures and progress, as well as challenges affecting the work.

The discussions also focused on ways to improve project implementation and ensure compliance with relevant technical requirements, DABS said.

Turkmenistan is one of Afghanistan’s main electricity suppliers, with cross-border transmission infrastructure connecting the two countries. Electricity imports from Turkmenistan are particularly important for Afghanistan’s northern and western regions, including Herat.

The planned 500-kV transmission line and Nur-ul-Jihad substation are expected to strengthen infrastructure for receiving and distributing electricity imported from Turkmenistan.

The talks come as Afghanistan and Turkmenistan continue cooperation on energy and other economic projects, with electricity trade forming part of broader regional economic ties.