- A $20mn project launched in Afghanistan with the support of USAID and Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
- The 10-megawatt solar power plant project, the first of its capacity in Afghanistan, will provide solar power to more than a million customers of Kandahar province
New Delhi, 06th December, 2017, Jaguar Overseas Limited (JOL), a New Delhi headquartered, ISO certified Global Project Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) Company, announced its progress in construction of its 10MW Afghanistan solar power project in Kandahar and resolved to strengthen Afghanistan’s power sector by developing country’s first tariff based solar power plant. The project is being executed with the support of United States Agency for International Development, (USAID), the leading U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential and Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), the national utility company of Afghanistan. Officially launched in the month of September this year in Afghanistan, it is the largest solar power project in the country, poised to support 1.15 million people residing in the Kandahar province. The project is being developed by Dynasty Oil & Gas Private Limited (DOGPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jaguar Overseas Limited headquartered in New Delhi. DOGPL specializes in providing world-class services in the field of Offshore Oil & Gas, Exploration & Development Drilling and Marine and Logistic Services.
As part of the key arrangements, JOL has signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement with (DABS), an independent and autonomous company established under The Corporations and Limited Liabilities Law of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IROA) entrusted to operate and manage electric power generation, import, transmission, and distribution throughout Afghanistan on a commercial basis. DABS will purchase power produced by JOL at a pre-defined rate for the next 15 years extendable up to 25 years.
Commenting on this recent development, Deepak Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Overseas Limited, said, “As a global project EPC player with more than 2 decades of existence, it is an honour to represent India in Afghanistan. Award of this prestigious 10MW Afghanistan solar project is a clear reflection of our expertise acquired over the years. This can serve as a model that can be replicated in other parts of Afghanistan in the years to come. The successful completion of this project will not only help in the growth of Kandahar but will also provide an impetus for improving the business climate through the availability of low cost power in the region. This will create an environment that aids the establishment of new industries in the region. We are very thankful to USAID which has been instrumental in facilitating collaboration with the local government. Additionally, we would also like to express our gratitude towards the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan who have facilitated overall ease in doing business in the country.”
USAID, which provides the largest bilateral civilian assistance program to Afghanistan, has spent almost $17 billion on development programs in the country since 2002. It partners with the government and the people of Afghanistan to ensure economic growth led by the country’s private sector, to establish a democratic and capable state governed by the rule of law, and to provide basic health and education services for all Afghans.
Commenting on its association with JOL, Michael McCord, Acting USAID/Afghanistan Mission Director, said, “Our association with Jaguar Overseas and Dynasty Oil & Gas Private Limited (DOGPL) reflects our strong endeavor to encourage private sector participation in the process of reconstructing Afghanistan. We strongly believe that promotion of the private sector is the key to ensure further development of Afghanistan’s energy sector. We would continue to encourage more private/public investments in Afghanistan which will lead to economic growth, security and prosperity for the Afghan people”.
Commenting on the project, Amanullah Ghalib, Chief Executive Officer, DABS said, “Kandahar’s solar power plant is an important step towards solving the critical shortage of power in Kandahar. It is poised to provide electricity to an industrial park, thus enabling additional private sector investment in the area”.
