The opening ceremonies in Dushanbe, Tajikistan that started on May 11 for construction work on the CASA-1000 project mark an important milestone. The project could bring a trade in sustainable electricity between Central and South Asia; address energy shortages in Afghanistan and Pakistan; and provide financing for new investments and improve winter energy supplies for Central Asian countries.
This ambitious project, costing $1.17 billion, is based on a simple idea. In the summer months, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan have more electricity than they need as their hydropower dams fill to the brim with water from melting mountain snow. Much of this excess water simply overflows and is not used to generate electricity.
Strategic Perspectives Through Research and Dialogue
