Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 3, Afghanistan has launched construction of a 40 MW solar power facility in the Mohammad Agha district of Logar province, with a total investment of $28 million. The project includes a 126 MVA substation and a transmission line extension costing $7.6 million, as announced by the Afghan government. The facility is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Once operational, the solar plant will provide electricity to approximately 40,000 households and support the Mohammad Agha Industrial Park, boosting local industrial activities. At the project’s inauguration ceremony this week, Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Baradar Akhund stated: “The project will partially resolve the province’s electricity shortages and help to expand industrial activities.”

The initiative marks a significant step in expanding Afghanistan’s renewable energy capacity. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Afghanistan had a total installed solar capacity of 53 MW by the end of 2024, a figure that has remained steady for the past three years. The new solar facility in Logar province will nearly double the country’s solar capacity, contributing to improved energy access and economic development.

The project is designed to address electricity shortages in the region, supporting both residential and industrial needs. By integrating the solar plant with the Mohammad Agha Industrial Park, it aims to foster sustainable growth and enhance energy reliability for local communities. The inclusion of a substation and transmission line extension will ensure efficient power distribution to meet the region’s demands.

This development reflects Afghanistan’s efforts to invest in clean energy infrastructure, promoting energy security and economic opportunities. The 18-month timeline for completion underscores a commitment to delivering timely results, with the potential to significantly impact the region’s energy landscape and support long-term sustainability goals.