Report: Iran to build second power plant in Tajikistan

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Tajik energy minister sign deal to construct additional Sangtude-2 hydroelectric power plant in Central Asian country, with Iran funding $180 million of costs in return for sales revenue

News Agencies |Published: 09.06.11 , 11:17

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Tajik energy minister signed a deal to construct an additional power plant in Tajikistan, reported Fars News Agency on Tuesday.

During his two-day visit to Tajikistan, Ahmadinejad and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon agreed in a protocol of intent to build another hydroelectric power plant, after Iranian engineers completed the first Sangtude-2 hydroelectric power plant in the Central Asian country.

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Back in January, both countries first signed an agreement to construct the first power plant in Tajikistan, with an approximate capacity of 130 megawatts. The new plant was officially opened in Tajikistan on Monday.

The estimated cost of the second plant, with a capacity of 220 megawatts, is some $220 million. Iran has agreed to fund $180 million of the costs, and in return receive the entire sales revenue of its electricity for 12 years. Tajikistan would then takeover full ownership of the plant.

While visiting Tajikistan, Ahmadinejad is also set to sign a deal to build a cement plant in the country.