Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) signed four public-private partnership renewable energy projects with USAID-funded Independent Power Producers on Wednesday.
Attaullah Naseeb, the head of Afghanistan Investment Facilitation Unit, said, “The four new power purchase agreements are some of the biggest by DABS, which represents a total of $160 million of investment and about 110 megawatts of generation capacity to be added to the national grid over the next 18 to 27 months.”
Ross Wilson, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan, said access to electricity is essential for improving the lives of the Afghan citizens and the projects are an important part of the America’s effort to improve lives in this country and to promote economic growth.
“Congratulations to everyone who made this happen. The successful and timely completion of these projects will send a clear signal to the private sector that Afghanistan is ready and open for business,” said Wilson at the signing ceremony hosted by President Ashraf Ghani.
Ghani talked about the energy potentials of Afghanistan from hydro, solar and wind, and said Afghanistan wants to become the roundabout of energy and a hub of production and green energy.
The projects will increase access to reliable and affordable electricity for Afghans which currently constrains the country’s economic growth and development.
All these efforts will contribute to the economic development of the country and attract private sector investment.
