The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
A boost for renewable energy in Afghanistan
Construction has begun on a combined solar and wind energy plant that will produce 3,000 mega-watt hours of electricity each year for the western city of Herat.
"This project is an important milestone for the people of Herat and for Afghanistan in the search for sustainable and organic energy sources," explained Dr. Mohammad Haider Reza, UNOPS Afghanistan Country Director at a ceremony inaugurating the project on 3 September.
Funded by the Government of Japan, UNOPS is managing the project in cooperation with Afghanistan's Ministry of Energy and Water and local contractors.
Due for completion in March 2017, the new plant will reduce dependency on electricity imports, and promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources in the country, benefitting more than 15,000 people, including 100 small businesses.
