Speech by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs at the Inauguration of the 22.75 MW Solar Power Project in Kabul
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Respected officials of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, esteemed representatives of 77 Construction Company and Zolaristan Company, and honored guests,
Peace and blessings be upon you all.
It is a matter of great joy that today we are taking another significant step in the field of clean energy production. We are inaugurating an important project in Sarubi District, Kabul—the Naghlu Solar Power Project. This initiative not only strengthens our nation’s resilience against climate change and addresses Afghanistan’s need for sustainable, clean energy, but it also contributes significantly to global efforts in preserving the environment.
This project is being launched under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat and the 77 and Zolaristan Companies. It will have a production capacity of 22.75 megawatts.
Historically, Afghanistan has been heavily dependent on imported electricity, with a significant portion of our national budget allocated for the payment of imported power. Not only is imported electricity costly for our country, but it is also not a reliable or sustainable source. For this reason, projects like this, which generate electricity domestically, can gradually reduce our reliance on foreign energy. By utilizing our internal resources more efficiently, we can become self-reliant in energy production.
Projects like this one, which harness solar energy, provide an affordable energy source, reduce the emission of harmful gases, help in combating climate change, and ensure energy stability and sustainability. Moreover, such projects increase investment, production capacity, and employment opportunities in the country, prevent the outflow of foreign currency, and significantly contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation.
A key point I want to emphasize here is that Afghanistan has played no role in the global climate crisis. However, our country has suffered the negative impacts of climate change caused by major industrial and manufacturing nations. Unfortunately, many clean energy projects that were initiated under the previous regime have been halted under the Islamic Emirate's rule.
From this platform, I call on the United Nations and international organizations supporting clean energy to take collective responsibility and collaborate with Afghanistan in the production of clean energy and the resumption of suspended projects. Afghanistan has been a victim of global climate change, yet has not contributed to its deterioration. Protecting the global climate is a shared responsibility of all nations, without exception, and requires collective cooperation.
From this stage, I extend an invitation and assurance to all domestic and foreign investors that the Islamic Emirate warmly welcomes any efforts and investments, particularly in the energy sector. We are ready to provide the necessary facilities. The Inter-Ministerial Investment Committee, which operates under the Office of the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs and includes representatives from all relevant ministries, serves as a swift point of contact for investors, providing effective assistance throughout the process.
I would like to express my gratitude to the officials of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, 77 Construction Company, and Zolaristan Company, as well as all involved parties, for successfully completing the initial stages of the PPP contract for this vital project. I hope that the practical execution of the project will proceed according to all accepted standards. In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our fellow citizens on the commencement of this important project.
Peace and blessings be upon you all.