The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that Afghanistan has the potential to generate over 220 gigawatts of solar power annually. In a video report on Tuesday, November 3, the agency stated that this vast potential could transform the country into a regional hub for clean energy.
To put this capacity into perspective, the UNDP explained that 220 gigawatts is enough to meet the entire electricity demand of a large country like the United Kingdom. Despite this, Afghanistan currently imports more than 80% of its required electricity from neighboring countries, at an annual cost of over $280 million.
This heavy reliance on imported power from Iran, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan leaves Afghanistan vulnerable to political and economic fluctuations. Furthermore, many of the country's rural areas are still not connected to the national power grid, leaving millions of people without access to sustainable energy.
The UNDP reports that since 2021, it has worked with partners to provide over 5.5 million Afghans with access to clean and affordable energy. However, the agency emphasizes that significantly more investment and effort are needed to fully harness the country's solar potential.
The energy situation is also challenging in major cities. Citizens frequently complain about prolonged power outages, especially during the hot summer and cold winter months, as well as unfair distribution of electricity. These problems negatively impact daily life and economic activities.
In light of these challenges, the UNDP has announced it will soon host an "Energy Week." This event will ing together stakeholders from Afghanistan's energy sector to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and solutions for improving energy access across the country.
Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
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