Green economy

The Republic of Tajikistan possesses rich natural resources and significant potential for developing a “green” economy. The majority of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, particularly hydropower, making Tajikistan one of the leading countries in the use of clean energy.

The government pursues a sustainable policy in environmental protection, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and development of “green” technologies. The adoption of national strategies and programs for green economy development has created favorable conditions for attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

Investment opportunities are especially broad in renewable energy, water resource management, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and waste processing.

Given its natural potential, state support policies, and international cooperation, Tajikistan can become an important regional hub for green investment.

The territory of modern Tajikistan has vast resources and opportunities for green economic development, including high mountains, unique nature, clean water resources, and renewable energy sources. More than 64% of Central Asia’s water resources are formed in Tajikistan, and electricity production is mainly based on renewable energy.

Hydropower is the main source of energy supply for the population and the national economy, as electricity is primarily generated by hydropower plants and plays a key role in socio-economic development. Tajikistan has the technical potential to produce 527 billion kWh of electricity annually, while currently only about 6% of this potential is utilized.

The country’s climate, with 280–330 sunny days per year and solar radiation of about 2000 kWh/m² annually, is highly favorable for solar energy development as the second most important renewable energy source. This level is about twice as high as in many European countries that widely use solar energy.

According to experts, Tajikistan’s solar energy potential is approximately 25.16 billion kWh per year, which can cover 10–20% of national energy demand and 60–80% of household energy needs for at least 10 months per year across the country.

In the near future, Tajikistan may rank fourth in the world in the use of renewable energy sources and become a major electricity exporter in the region. The country also has strong potential in organic agriculture, electric transport, and green trade.

Three main directions of green economy development can be identified:

• economic direction: emission regulation, introduction of green taxes, environmental payments and subsidies, and development of public–private partnerships;
• social direction: promotion of investment in green technologies, eco-tourism, education and science, increased income and employment;
• environmental direction: rational use of non-renewable resources, improved energy efficiency, and transition to renewable energy sources.

These directions aim to improve the quality of economic growth, enhance public welfare, and preserve natural capital.

The implementation of green economy principles will strengthen Tajikistan’s international relations, increase investment flows, improve production and consumption structures, and ensure sustainable development.

Long-term development of the green economy is based on:

• efficient use of natural resources;
• introduction of modern and innovative technologies;
• production and export of goods meeting global standards.