Tajikistan: Nurek Hydropower Rehabilitation, Phase I

OBJECTIVE

The objectives are to rehabilitate and restore the generating capacity of three power generating units of Nurek HPP, improve their efficiency and strengthen the safety of the Nurek dam.

DESCRIPTION

The rehabilitation of Nurek hydropower plant will be implemented in two phases. The phased approach is due to unavailability of the total financing required to complete all rehabilitation works. The Project, which is the Phase I of the rehabilitation, consists of:

Component One: Rehabilitation of the power plant and replacement of auto-transformers. This component will include (i) the replacement and refurbishment of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical equipment and works required for the rehabilitation of the Nurek HPP; (ii) replacement of auto-transformers.

Component Two: Dam Safety. This component will include activities to improve the safety of the operation of the Nurek HPP.

Component Three: Technical Assistance. This component will support implementation of the Project and strengthen the institutional capacity of Barqi Tojik.

PROJECT FINANCING

For more information about project financing, please review the project summary.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INFORMATION

The Bank has decided to use WB’s Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies (Safeguard Policies) since (i) they are consistent with the Bank’s Articles of Agreement and materially consistent with the provisions of the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy and relevant Environmental and Social Standards; and (ii) the monitoring procedures that the WB has in place to ascertain compliance with their Safeguard Policies are appropriate for the Project. Under WB’s Safeguard Policies, the Project has been assigned Category B.

The WB has carried out due diligence including environmental and social impact studies of the Project. Overall the environmental impacts are expected to be positive as the works relate to physical rehabilitation of existing infrastructure with no new construction planned. An updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and a Stakeholder’s Engagement Plan for the Project have been prepared, which are consistent with the WB’s Safeguards Policies. These documents have been approved by the WB and the Implementation Agency, and disclosed on the WB website:

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/270681485857484036/Environmental-and-socialimpact-assessment