Rogun Dam in Tajikistan Nears Completion, Set to Double Electricity Output
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon visited the ongoing Rogun Dam construction site on the Vakhsh River this week, urging the Italian contractor Webuild to work around the clock while the summer weather remains favorable. The project aims to double the country’s electricity generation and address the persistent power shortages affecting its population.
Project Background and Timeline
Construction of the Rogun Dam began in 1976 during the Soviet era but halted in 1991 following the collapse of the USSR. Work resumed in stages starting in 2008, with Webuild appointed as the main contractor in 2016. Once completed, the dam will be the tallest in the world, reaching a height of 335 meters.
Objectives and Power Generation
Approximately 93% of Tajikistan’s electricity comes from hydropower. With a population of 10.8 million, the country experiences frequent blackouts, particularly in winter. The Rogun Dam is expected to double electricity output to 3.6 gigawatts through six turbines, equivalent to the production of three nuclear reactors. Two turbines are already operational and generating power.
Workforce and Infrastructure
The project employs over 18,000 workers, while around 15,400 residents living in flood zones have been relocated to alternative housing and land. Water levels in the reservoir have risen by 100 meters over the past year, with a target level of 1,300 meters by project completion.
Funding and Next Steps
Since 2008, the Tajik government has spent approximately $5.16 billion on the dam, including $461 million this year alone. Authorities aim to achieve energy independence by August 2027.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This article presents the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan as a landmark hydropower and large-scale engineering project. The images depict the extensive construction site, heavy machinery, and rising reservoir, emphasizing concrete materials and open spatial arrangements. Yet, while the project is massive and impactful in electricity generation, the article lacks architectural analysis regarding geographic and environmental context and its social implications. One may question whether sustainability and community infrastructure were adequately integrated into the design. Nonetheless, the dam highlights the potential for future energy independence, offering readers a practical perspective on its long-term significance.
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