CASA-1000

The Central Asia-South Asia power project, commonly known by the acronym CASA-1000, is a $1.16 billion project currently under construction that will allow for the export of surplus hydroelectricity from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan and Afghanistan.^[1] Groundbreaking for the project took place on May 12, 2016 in Tajikistan in a ceremony attended by the Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Pakistani Prime Ministers,^[2] and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.^[3] The project initially also included transfer of electricity to Afghanistan, however the country abandoned its share of electricity due to dearth of demand, hence Pakistan will receive 1,300 megawatts of electricity.^[4][5]

Project Details

The project will allow for the export of 1,300 megawatts of electricity during the summer months when both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan experience surplus electricity generation from hydroelectric dams.^[6]

High voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations will also be included as part of the project, as well as a 477 kilometer long, 500 kilovolt alternating current transmission line between Datka, Kyrgyzstan and Khujand, Tajikistan.^[7][8] A 1,300 MW AC/DC converter station will be constructed in the city of Sangtuda, Tajikistan, as well as a 300 MW converter station in Kabul, Afghanistan. A 750 kilovolt HVDV line will be constructed between Sangtuda, and the city of Peshawar, Pakistan, via the Salang Pass and Kabul.^[9] In Peshawar, a 1,300 MW converter station will be built and connected to Pakistan's electric grid.^[10]

Transmission lines are designed to transmit 1,300 MW of electricity, with Afghanistan allotted 300 MW of electricity and Pakistan 1000 MW of electricity. Initially, however, Pakistan will receive 700 MW, while Afghanistan will be supplied 300 MW.^[11]

References