Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

WB Approves $52.5m Grant for Afghanistan Gas Project

WB Approves $52.5m Grant  for Afghanistan Gas Project

KABUL - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $52.5 million grant for the Afghanistan Gas Project that will provide sustainable natural gas supply to independent power producers in the country’s north.
More specifically, the Afghanistan Gas Project will provide direct financing and technical assistance for the construction, operation and maintenance of a gas pipeline from Shiberghan to Mazar-e-Sharif and a new natural gas desulfurization amine plant, the bank said in a statement.
"By investing in critical gas infrastructure and developing a strong foundation for good governance in the gas sector, the project will improve Afghanistan’s energy supply, which is currently critically low, and contribute to poverty reduction," said Henry Kerali, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan.
The project is one element of the World Bank Group’s broader support for improved energy access in Afghanistan, as part of an ongoing commitment to help developing countries extend access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for their citizens.
The support to domestic gas utilization will help diversify sources of electricity supply in the country and connect more Afghans to the electricity grid. Diversifying electricity sources will also provide more stable supply for existing users such as businesses, enabling them to grow and create more jobs for Afghans.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum will lead the overall implementation of the project in close coordination with other government agencies, including the Afghanistan Gas Enterprise, and the Afghanistan Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. (Pajhwok)