CDM Smith brings energy to Pakistan and Afghanistan

Energy resources in Central and South Asia are unevenly distributed. While the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan enjoy a surplus of electricity in the summer thanks to their hydroelectric power plants, Afghanistan and Pakistan suffer from a shortage of electricity which affects both daily life and industrial production.

A new electricity transmission system to connect all four countries shall now remedy this situation. Called "Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project", or shortly CASA-1000, will be funded by the World Bank with more than 1.1 billion US dollars and supports the Central Asian countries in exporting their hydropower resources to the countries of South Asia during the summer months. In this way, CASA-1000 aims not only to improve access to electricity in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but also to expand the markets in the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan and to increase trade in the region.

The project consists of several parts. A 477 km long 500 kV alternating current line will transport the electricity from the Kyrgyz Republic to Tajikistan, where the grid will be strengthened. In addition, two 1300 MW converter stations will be built in Sangtuda (Tajikistan) and Nowshera (Pakistan), which will be connected to a 750 km high voltage direct current line.

CDM Smith has been commissioned by the Energy Management Department of Siemens AG to carry out topographical surveys and soil investigations for the construction of the 1300 MW converter station in Sangtuda. This part of the project is expected to be completed by May 2018. The overall project is to be completed by 2020.

CDM Smith provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide. As a full-service engineering and construction firm, we deliver exceptional client service, quality results and enduring value across the entire project life cycle.