DUSHANBE, February 13, Asia-Plus  -- Three energy experts from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) completed a weeklong visit to Dushanbe where they consulted with the Government of Tajikistan and private sector to decide whether to recommend a feasibility study of an integrated coal mine and power generation project at the at the Fon Yagnob Coal Field, press release issued by the US Embassy yesterday said.

The feasibility study could help Tajikistan attract potential investors interested in implementing the project.

The team met with representatives of the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Energy and Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Bank of Tajikistan, the Barqi Tojik national electric company, coal companies, the Aga Khan Foundation, SomonCapital, the World Bank, and other international financial institutions.

If Tajikistan can attract investors to develop the Fon Yagnob coal field and construct a coal-fired power generating facility, the plant could generate 1,200 to 1,500 megawatts of electricity for domestic consumers and for export to Afghanistan and Pakistan.  A USTDA-funded feasibility study could help Tajikistan attract such investors.

The team also evaluated the potential benefit of a feasibility study of the Pamir 2 Project of the Aga Khan Foundation, which includes the 60 to 100 megawatt Sonobod hydro-electric power projects and distribution of electricity in both Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Based on the reports and recommendations of the USTDA team, USTDA will decide whether to solicit grant proposals for feasibility studies for the coal and hydro-electric projects.