Taliban Approves Five-Year Power Development Plan for Afghanistan

Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have greenlit a comprehensive five-year power development plan designed to expand domestic electricity generation and modernize the nation's infrastructure. The plan, endorsed by the Economic Commission led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, aims to bolster energy security and support economic reconstruction.

The ambitious strategy outlines 25 new power generation projects utilizing domestic resources such as hydropower, solar, wind, and coal. It also encompasses significant upgrades to the electricity grid, including 13 ongoing and 23 planned projects for power transmission lines, 21 ongoing and 21 planned substation construction projects, and 34 planned electricity distribution projects. Officials believe this implementation will strengthen the energy sector's role in the country's economic recovery and foster financial independence and self-sufficiency.

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The implementation of the plan will help develop the country’s energy sector and reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on imported electricity.

Despite these efforts, Afghanistan remains heavily reliant on imported electricity, with approximately 80% of its consumption coming from Central Asian countries and Iran. Domestic generation capacity stands at around 250 MW, while imports reach approximately 800 MW. Experts estimate Afghanistan's total energy needs range from 6,000–7,000 MW, potentially rising to 10,000 MW with industrial development.

This heavy dependence on imports, coupled with insufficient domestic capacity, frequently leads to power supply disruptions, particularly affecting residents in Kabul with daily multi-hour outages. While recent years have seen announcements of major energy projects, including contracts for 17 power plants totaling 1,820 MW, the new five-year plan details a more structured approach to developing the sector.

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The plan is expected to strengthen the role of the energy sector in the country’s economic reconstruction and support efforts to achieve financial independence, self-sufficiency and energy security.