Rogun Hydropower Plant Project (HPP)

The Rogun Hydropower Plant Project (HPP) is an export-oriented green energy project in Tajikistan. With a projected installed capacity of 3,780 megawatts upon completion in 2033, the plant will both become a key source of power for Tajikistan and allow the country to export approximately 70% of the energy to replace fossil-fired generation in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

As a result, the Rogun HPP will alleviate energy shortages across Central Asia and contribute to the decarbonization of the region’s power grids. In addition, the project will bring significant domestic and regional social and economic benefits, including by providing 10 million people in Tajikistan with improved access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity.  

The Rogun HPP involves a dam and reservoir on the Vakhsh River, which has been under construction since 2017 and is projected to become fully operational in 2033.

Between 2011 and 2014 and at the request of the government of Tajikistan, the World Bank financed the preparation of a detailed Techno-Economic Assessment Study (TEAS) and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to evaluate the viability of the proposed Rogun HPP in compliance with international standards. Both assessments were open to international scrutiny and informed the dialogue with neighbouring countries.

In addition, the World Bank funded two independent panels of experts: a Dam Safety Panel of Experts (DSPOE), and an Environmental and Social Panel of Experts (ESPOE). The role of these panels was to ensure due diligence and international quality standards, as well as objectivity and credibility through independent advice and guidance. The panels were composed of recognized professionals who examined the assumptions of consultants working on the project, and requested additional data or investigations, where needed, to meet rigorous technical, economic, and social standards.

The construction of the Rogun HPP was formally initiated in 2017 with the selection of the contractor to build the main dam. The World Bank and other international financing institutions decided not to participate in the project at that time due to concerns expressed by neighbouring countries, which have since been resolved. However, the government of Tajikistan still sought to follow the recommendations of the TEAS and panels of experts.

Facing challenges in financing the project through public resources, the government subsequently requested the World Bank to assess how the project could be financed within a sustainable fiscal framework in 2021. In response, the World Bank analysed viable financing options and recommended transforming the project into an export-oriented venture to ensure its financial viability, given its large size relative to Tajikistan’s economy.

Alternatives to Rogun HPP, including different dam heights and other renewable technologies, were thoroughly assessed as part of the TEAS and updated in the context of the financing options study. Three different dam heights were assessed and the Government found the highest dam alternative preferrable based on its superior economic and environmental performance. Updated analysis performed in 2024 confirmed that the Rogun HPP remains the least-cost solution for providing clean and affordable base load electricity, supporting the region's transition to a low-carbon future. The project provides affordable baseload energy at scale which will enable the absorption of larger quantities of intermittent renewable energy such as wind and solar in Tajikistan and, specially, in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Based on these assessments and once support from neighbouring countries had been secured, the World Bank positively responded to the request from the government for technical assistance to the project with the approval of a $15 million grant in 2023 (Technical Assistance for Financing Framework for Rogun Hydropower Project, P178819). The grant, complemented by a $5 million grant from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, provides support to ensure the project benefits from the most up-to-date technical solutions and know-how, is established within a strong commercial framework, and becomes macro-fiscally,  environmentally and socially sustainable. Key activities financed through the Rogun TA Project have included, among others, (i) preparation of a financing package for the project where conversations with development partners were initiated to explore the possibility of pooled financing (see below for details); (ii) establishing a DSPOE and ESPOE (in place since 2022); (iii) design of a benefits sharing program; and (iv) update to the environmental and social instruments. 

In June 2023, the World Bank formally initiated the preparation of a Multiphase Program Approach (MPA) in support of the Rogun HPP. The MPA will provide $650 million of IDA financing for the project during 2025-2035, with the first phase programmed for $350 million. After successfully completing the technical appraisal and negotiation of the project in October 2024, the first phase of the MPA was approved by the World Bank Board on December 17, 2024. 

At the request of the government of Tajikistan, the World Bank leads the Rogun Coordination Group (RCG). Several development partners have expressed interest and willingness to provide financing for the Rogun HPP, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union (EU), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Arab Funds (OPEC Fund for International Development, Saudi Fund, Abu Dhabi Fund, Kuwait Fund), and others. Together with the World Bank, these institutions could mobilize up to US$3 billion in concessional support of the project conditional on preparation and implementation meeting international standards. The RCG platform serves as a coordination mechanism to provide joint oversight of project preparation and, later, implementation. It also ensures overall consistency and alignment regarding strategic advice provided to the government on key issues related to the project, as well as on broader energy sector reforms and financial sustainability.

The Rogun HPP has the potential to benefit the lives of citizens in Tajikistan and across Central Asia. Once fully operational, it is expected to provide 10 million people with improved access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity. The project will also create fiscal space for higher social spending targeting Tajikistan’s poor and vulnerable through a national benefit-sharing program, and contribute to strengthening macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability, consistent with the IMF Policy Coordination Instrument.  

The Central Asia region is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which currently make up 80% of electricity sources. With 70% of the energy produced by the Rogun HPP expected to be exported to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the project will reduce CO2 emissions and alleviate energy shortages across the region. It will also help balance services for intermittent sources like solar and wind to meet growing energy demand, support the shift to renewable energy and advance the region’s net zero emissions goals. More broadly, the project is expected to promote the development of a regional electricity market and further enhance regional cooperation on energy. These developments are anticipated to stimulate private sector investment, improve economic productivity, and support a clean energy future.

Finally, the Rogun HPP will strengthen water security and climate resilience at the regional level. Downstream of Rogun, the Nurek dam and other hydropower projects, referred to as the “downstream cascade,” are not designed to withstand the Probable Maximum Flood, which is the most intense flood theoretically possible in that location. In this context, Rogun will provide the major additional benefit of protecting the downstream projects from extreme flooding, including Nurek, by using the storage capacity available in the Rogun reservoir.

Extensive consultations with CSOs on various aspects of the Rogun HPP (i.e., Environmental and Social risks and ESF documents, riparian impacts, benefit sharing mechanisms) have been conducted regularly since 2008, with the frequency and scope of these consultations intensifying since 2022 as described below.

Prior to disclosure of the most recent ESIA in December 2023, the main project implementing entity, the Rogun Project Management Group (PMG), held several consultations in 2022-2023 with national and international CSOs, where resettlement, livelihoods, cumulative impacts and labor conditions were among the issues discussed. Additional consultations on the ESIA and the Environmental and Social Management Plan were conducted in January 2024 in Dushanbe and affected communities.

Three large consultations were held in Dushanbe and the resettlement areas in June 2024 to discuss the Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Framework (RLRF). Comments were considered in finalizing the RLRF for disclosure. 

These consultations have been essential in understanding the needs of the project-affected people.  These include replacement of housing, structures, and lands; access to supportive social infrastructure; and participation in longer-term efforts to restore livelihoods. The World Bank has been able to discuss these issues with affected groups without the government being present.  Discussions have been informative and constructive, especially in identifying challenges in resettlement, compensation, and livelihood restoration. These consultations were supported by an international consultant and conducted in line with the World Bank’s guidance and are summarized in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) disclosed in June 2024. 

The Rogun PMG has also held consultations with neighboring countries and civil society organizations in Almaty, Kazakhstan (November 2023), focusing on environmental, social and technical issues of concern to the riparian states. The World Bank facilitated consultations in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (October 2024) on riparian concerns. Consultations in other riparian states are planned.

More broadly, each Environmental and Social document has been disclosed prior to consultations, consulted upon, revised, and then re-disclosed. The PMG and the Directorate of the Flood Zone of the Rogun HPP (DFZ), the government entity charged with resettlement and livelihood restoration, also hold periodic meetings in affected communities to discuss key issues, particularly the dam’s environmental and social impacts. More details on DFZ’s resettlement work and the consultations can be found at DFZ’s website: mmz.nbo-rogun.tj.

Moving forward, the SEP outlines a detailed framework for continuous engagement with CSOs and stakeholders throughout project implementation. These consultations will include regular meetings, information sharing, and open feedback channels. The SEP is a living document that will be updated regularly to reflect engagement activities.¹

Resources will also be made available to further strengthen the Grievance and Redress Mechanism, monitor the Resettlement Action Plan and Livelihood Restoration Plan, address gender issues, and engage the public in designing and implementing the benefit-sharing program. 

Finally, recognizing the high environmental and social risks, as well as concerns raised by stakeholders, the World Bank has been taking additional steps to strengthen transparency and the ability of communities and CSOs to engage in the Rogun HPP. This includes quarterly meetings of World Bank staff and Management with interested CSOs.

¹For more on the Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework, click here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/environmental-and-social-framework

All relevant documents and notices are posted on the main project website at www.energyprojects.tj, managed by the Rogun Project Management Group (Rogun PMG). DFZ’s website is: mmz.nbo-rogun.tj.

The environmental and social instruments are available at the World Bank’s external websites:

Technical Assistance for Financing Framework for Rogun Hydropower Project

Sustainable Financing for Rogun Hydropower Project

All projects financed with World Bank resources are required to fully comply with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The ESF aims to ensure environmental sustainability, social development and inclusion in projects undertaken with World Bank’s support.

The World Bank’s environmental and social specialists have been providing enhanced support to the Rogun PMG and DFZ to help ensure that project activities and documentation fully align with the World Bank ESF. This includes the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) / Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), the Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Management Framework (RLRF) / Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), the Labor Management Plan (LMP), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and other E&S management plans under the project. 

The environmental impacts of the Rogun HPP were independently assessed by a consulting firm on behalf of the government, forming the basis of the draft ESIA and the accompanying Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).  These were disclosed in December 2023, outlining key mitigation measures for stakeholder consultation. 

The Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), which is a legally binding document and forms part of the Financing Agreement, includes references to material measures and actions that the government commits to implement before the project can move to “effectiveness” or receive any funds, as well information on all requirements to be met during implementation (such as staffing, reporting, and transparency).  This process supports compliance with the ESF throughout the project life cycle.

The World Bank considers these instruments sufficient to inform management of the risk and mitigation measures pursuant to paragraph 51 of the Environmental and Social Policy: 

“51. The Bank will disclose documentation relating to the environmental and social risks and impacts of High Risk and Substantial Risk projects prior to project appraisal. This documentation will reflect the environmental and social assessment of the project, and be provided in draft or final form (if available). The documentation will address, in an adequate manner, the key risks and impacts of the project, and will provide sufficient detail to inform stakeholder engagement and Bank decision-making. Final or updated documentation will be disclosed when available.”   

In addition, several E&S management plans and frameworks are currently under preparation and others will be updated over the next few months to reflect the latest available information. The completion and disclosure of the final versions of the ESIA, ESMP, Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), and other critical instruments are conditions of project effectiveness.  

Nevertheless, many key surveys, such as those on biodiversity, have now been completed, and their findings align with the 2014 ESIA prepared by the government of Tajikistan and financed by the World Bank. The recent surveys did not reveal any significant changes that would affect the conclusions previously drawn.

The initial scope of the ESIA was focused on the section between Rogun and the downstream dam at Nurek, based on the assumption that downstream impacts beyond Nurek would be minimal. More recently and following the feedback received during consultations, the scope of the ESIA update (to be finalized prior to project effectiveness) has been expanded to include the downstream sections of the Vakhsh and Amu Darya rivers within the project’s area of influence. While important for completeness purposes, this change is not expected to materially change the findings so far.

Mitigation measures have been designed to minimize impacts while the reservoir is being filled. The World Bank confirms the assessment of independent third parties that no appreciable adverse impacts on downstream users are expected, including during the initial years of operation.

Alternatives to Rogun HPP, including different dam heights and other renewable technologies, were thoroughly assessed during the Techno-Economic Assessment Studies (TEAS) for the Rogun Hydropower Project (HPP) financed by the World Bank between 2011 and 2014, and during the financing options study in 2021. The highest dam alternative was selected based on its superior economic and environmental performance. Updated analysis performed during project appraisal confirmed that Rogun HPP remains the least-cost solution for providing clean and affordable electricity, supporting the region's transition to a low-carbon future.

1. Alternative Dam Heights

The TEAS studies evaluated various dam height alternatives to determine the most suitable option for the project. Three full supply levels (FSL) were considered, corresponding to dam heights of 335 meters (corresponding to full supply level (fsl) of 1290 meters above sea level (masl), 300 meters (corresponding to fsl of 1255 masl), and 265 meters (corresponding to fsl of 1220 masl). Each height was analyzed for different installed generation capacities, ranging from 3,600 MW to 2,000 MW, resulting in a total of nine alternatives studied.

The TEAS concluded that all three dam height alternatives could be built and operated within international safety norms, provided that specified design modifications and mitigation measures were implemented. The highest dam alternative, at 1,290 masl, was found to offer the greatest benefits across most economic and environmental sensitivities. The TEAS recommended the highest option due to its superior performance in terms of energy generation and overall beneficial impact on the Tajikistan electricity system. The government’s choice of a higher dam height was justified despite the higher resettlement impact due to several key factors:

Economic Benefits: The highest dam option (335 meters) was found to provide the largest system cost savings and overall economic benefits. The economic analysis showed that this option would have a significant positive impact on Tajikistan's electricity system, making it the most beneficial in terms of energy generation and cost efficiency.

Technical and Dam Safety considerations: The TEAS concluded that the highest dam option could be built and operated within international safety norms, provided that specified design modifications and mitigation measures were implemented. This option was technically justified considering the long-term safety and operational efficiency of the dam.

Environmental and Social Impact Mitigation: Although the highest dam height would result in a larger number of resettlements, the ESIA identified measures to mitigate the impacts of involuntary resettlement. The resettlement plans included compensation for lost assets, construction of replacement houses, and livelihood restoration measures to help affected households rebuild their lives in the new locations.

Sustainable life of investment: The highest dam option was also considered the most sustainable in terms of the long-term life of the investment. The sedimentation study estimated that the Rogun reservoir would have a lifespan of around 115 years, significantly reducing the sediment filling rate of the Nurek reservoir and ensuring continued river regulation for an extended period.

Trade-offs and sensitivities: The TEAS considered various trade-offs between the different dam height options, including financing risks, macro-economic implications, social and environmental impacts, and opportunities for institutional arrangements and mutual benefits among countries. The highest dam option generally showed the greatest benefit across most sensitivities, making it the preferred choice despite the higher resettlement impact.

In summary, the decision to opt for the highest dam height was based on a comprehensive evaluation of economic, technical, environmental, and social factors, with a focus on maximizing the overall benefits while implementing measures to mitigate the resettlement impacts.

The Government acknowledges that the choice of a higher dam will result in increased physical and economic displacement around the dam and the reservoir and commits to identifying and providing choices for suitable resettlement sites, drawing on consultations with PAPs and taking into account safety and land-based livelihoods. To the extent possible, the government will also avoid resettlement, particularly amongst the communities which are further away from the inundation zone.

The Rogun Financing Options Study, completed by the World Bank in 2021, further assessed these dam height options and confirmed the rationale for selecting the tallest height. The study highlighted that the tallest dam option (335 meters) would yield the largest system cost savings and provide the most significant benefits in terms of energy generation and economic impact. The tallest height was selected because it maximizes the hydropower potential, ensuring a longer lifespan for the reservoir (100+ years) due to reduced sedimentation rates and providing enhanced flood protection downstream (thus providing enhanced protection to Tajikistan and riparian countries from increased flood risks resulting from climate change impacts). Additionally, the tallest dam height supports the strategic goal of exporting surplus electricity to neighboring countries, thereby enhancing regional energy security and cooperation.

2. Decommissioning

The financing options study concluded that, with over a third of the project already completed, decommissioning and mitigation of risks to the Vakhsh cascade would involve substantial additional costs and investments needed to replace the energy expected to be generated by the Rogun HPP, and result in significant foregone revenues from electricity exports, making  non-completion a non-viable option at this stage.  

3. Alternative Technologies: Solar and Wind

Extensive regional modelling work carried out by the World Bank during the project appraisal demonstrated that the Rogun HPP stands out as the least-cost solution for providing clean and affordable baseload electricity to Central Asia. The project is designed to significantly increase the supply of renewable energy, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the region's low-carbon development goals. According to a regional planning analysis, the Rogun HPP, along with other large-scale hydropower projects, is expected to displace gas and coal-fired generation and provide stability services to further enhance the development of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

The cost of electricity generated by Rogun HPP remains highly competitive compared to alternative baseload sources, making it a part of the least-cost supply options for both Tajikistan and the broader Central Asian region. This is crucial for meeting the increasing power demand and supporting economic growth and development aspirations of the region. Additionally, the project's ability to export surplus electricity to neighboring countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan further underscores its role in enhancing regional energy security and cooperation.

Biodiversity conservation is integrated into the project, in line with the ESF. 

The Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) is under preparation and will be disclosed for consultation when ready. Its completion, disclosure, and adoption are conditions of disbursement for the relevant project components. Field surveys have not identified critical habitats. Therefore, and in line with ESS6 of the World Bank's ESF, the BMP will include a no-net loss plan for the protection of juniper woodland and floodplain areas. Additionally, environmental flow regimes are being designed to protect downstream ecosystems, with measures embedded in the project design and implementation to prevent degradation.

A revised Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) is being finalized and its findings will be reflected in the final ESIA. In addition, mitigation efforts, such as restoring degraded natural land-based habitats through small-scale afforestation and natural regeneration, conservation of wildlife grazing areas for key species, and pilot measures to resolve conflicting needs of humans and wildlife, are part of the project design and contemplate community participation in implementation and impact monitoring. 

A key principle for the completion of the Rogun HPP is that the project will respect the region’s existing water-sharing arrangements during the construction, filling, and operational phases. As confirmed in the 2014 ESIA and reaffirmed in the updated ESIA, Tajikistan’s continued adherence to international agreements is expected to ensure that there will be no appreciable downstream impacts.  Tajikistan’s commitment to the regional agreements is further detailed in the Financing Agreements, and will be closely monitored during project implementation, through a series of transparency and disclosure measures.

The water allocation arrangements between Central Asian countries date back to the 1980s. The 1992 Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Joint Management on Utilization and Protection of Water Resources from Interstate Sources (“Almaty Agreement”) established the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination, which decides on annual and seasonal water allocation among the Central Asian riparian countries in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers’ watershed. 

Pursuant to those agreements, Tajikistan does not plan to achieve full supply level in the reservoir by the time that dam construction ends in 2033. Instead, the reservoir will be filled progressively each year in compliance with Tajikistan’s water allocation and is projected to reach its full supply level in 2039.   

Although Afghanistan is not a party to the regional water-sharing agreements among Central Asian countries, risks to Afghanistan are mitigated by the fact that Turkmenistan is located downstream from Afghanistan.  Hence meeting regional commitments with Turkmenistan requires that water flows to Afghanistan not be affected.  Independent analysis based on the latest information confirms that the Rogun HPP will not cause appreciable harm to downstream riparian countries. 

In addition, by operating the Rogun and Nurek dams in tandem, seasonal flow patterns will be maintained/improved.  Downstream users will continue to have water during the critical summer months, with no appreciable change in water availability compared to historical flow patterns, and the storage capacity of the Rogun reservoir will enhance Tajikistan's ability to release stored water during droughts, helping alleviate water shortages as needed.

The Rogun HPP is expected to provide 10 million people with affordable access to reliable and sustainable electricity. 

The project also supports the establishment of a national benefit-sharing program targeting poor and vulnerable household and communities, building on and strengthening existing safety net programs.  The program will receive 3% of the Rogun HPP revenues from the sale of electricity during the construction phase and this share will increase to 5% thereafter. 

The project will resettle more than 50,000 people, who will be compensated with funds to build new homes and structures of good quality (with access to electricity and water supply), as well being given family and communal land and assistance to restore land-based and other livelihoods in the new areas of settlement. Supporting social infrastructures (e.g. schools, medical facilities and other community facilities) are also being built or expanded to accommodate the resettled people.

The Bank is also working with the government of Tajikistan to make sure that the voices of the most vulnerable are considered in project design and implementation, based on feedback received through wide-ranging public consultations and CSO engagement.

The Rogun HPP will provide a stable and affordable electricity supply to families and businesses in Tajikistan and Central Asia, many of whom currently face periodic blackouts. The dam’s reservoir will also help mitigate floods and improve the reliability of the water supply for irrigation and domestic uses.

The well-being of project affected people (PAPs) is central to the project’s design, which aims to minimize displacement and disruption to livelihoods as much as possible. DFZ, has identified communities that are likely to be relocated either because they live in areas that will be inundated by the reservoir or because their safety or livelihoods could be affected by the reservoir. The ESIA includes a recommended buffer zone, based on good international practice, but there is no requirement in the project that this buffer zone remain clear of people and structures. Communities within this recommended buffer zone whose houses, agricultural land, or other livelihoods are not affected by the reservoir will not be required to move – subject to safety considerations. As DFZ proceeds through the resettlement process, they will carefully evaluate the safety and livelihoods of communities close to the reservoir and will consult  them on resettlement and livelihood options – and  then plan accordingly. Any potential relocation of communities not directly affected by the reservoir will be based on their preferences which will be sought during consultations with them.

The Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Framework (RLRF), along with subsequent Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs), guide these efforts by addressing the physical and economic displacement of project-affected people near the dam site and downstream, as well as those in the reservoir area.

Consultations—including those held with project-affected people without government representatives—have yielded valuable insights into the resettlement and compensation process, which in turn have been incorporated into the RLRF and RAPs and continue to guide implementation efforts. For example, there has been a sustained effort to ensure that project-affected people are given choices about where to resettle and are satisfied with the places they choose, taking into account livelihoods and cultural preferences. In addition, consultations have helped ensure that new homes and structures are of better quality than what the project-affected people had before, responsive to family preferences and that supporting social infrastructure, such as schools and medical facilities, are also in place to accommodate newly resettled families.  

In addition, a framework approach to identify and mitigate adverse impacts on project-affected people was deemed appropriate, given that resettlement is taking place in phases spanning nearly two decades, with phases corresponding to inundation levels of the reservoir as well as the number of people involved. The RLRF is designed to facilitate the implementation of this multiple-phase, multi-year resettlement.

Resettlement has been underway since 2009 without the World Bank’s financing. In the first phase (2009-2017), 2,697 people were resettled, with a 2018 Completion Audit concluding that it was compliant with World Bank policy. A second phase of resettlement (2018-2026) is under way led by the DFZ and is currently being revised and updated to ensure that it meets World Bank requirements. During this phase 6,812 people have been fully resettled and another 1008 are fully compensated and close to completing their moves to their new homes. Another 6,699 people are in the process of resettling (i.e. they have received their land and cash compensation and are building new homes, with supporting social infrastructure). The remaining 2,400 people have been provided with options for land and are deciding on where they will resettle. An additional 30,600+ people are expected to be resettled in subsequent phases, and this number could increase by another ~10,000 due to the return of long-term migrants from Russia, as well as new births.

Findings from past audits of RAP 1, recent surveys conducted by PMG’s consultant preparing RAP 2, and results from consultations conducted by the World Bank suggest that project-affected people are generally satisfied with replacement housing, land, and community amenities, such as access to water supply, electricity, and social services. 

Resettlement on this scale, however, is complex and takes time. The process of compensation and resettlement has involved discussions, negotiations and timely handling of complaints. The World Bank, the government, and development partners will continue to work together to prioritize people’s well-being.

Livelihood restoration is an ongoing challenge. The livelihood restoration programs are expected to help improve, or at least restore, incomes and standards of living for the people who have been displaced. Efforts will include improvements to and establishment of new community social infrastructure (health, education, land-based livelihood support), vocational and other training, support for access to finance to establish small businesses, opportunities to develop natural resource management and tourism activities around the dam reservoir, agricultural extension programs, livestock management programs and stipends to support apprenticeships. 

More information is available online: http://energyprojects.tj/index.php/en/rogun-hpp/eko-sots-instrument and mmz.nbo-rogun.tj.

The World Bank’s ESF requires that an effective Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) be in place to allow stakeholders to raise concerns, provide feedback, and seek remedies related to the impacts of the project.  The World Bank has been working closely with the Rogun PMG and DFZ to revise and strengthen the existing GRM to ensure alignment with international best practices. DFZ’s website (mmz.nbo-rogun.tj) includes information on recent complaints.

The GRM includes the processes of receipt, acceptance, investigation, resolution, and closure of operational issues, concerns, problems, or grievances. According to a sampling of project-affected people in the ongoing second phase of resettlement, 42% have used the GRM to raise concerns about compensation and the resettlement process, which are being successfully addressed in a timely manner. 

In addition, communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a project supported by the World Bank may submit complaints to: (i) the World Bank’s Grievance Redress Service (GRS), which aims to ensure that complaints received are promptly reviewed to address project-related concerns; and/or (ii) the World Bank’s Independent Accountability Mechanism, which can determine compliance with Bank policies and procedures as well as address complaints through dispute resolution. 

Detailed information on the GRM is available in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan: http://energyprojects.tj/index.php/en/rogun-hpp/eko-sots-instrument/1224-stakeholder-engagement-plan1.

People affected by the project may also file their complaints online via the DFZ website: http://mmz.nbo-rogun.tj/en/appeal-from-citizens.

For information on how to submit complaints to the GRS, visit http://www.worldbank.org/GRS.

For information on how to submit complaints to the Accountability Mechanism, visit https://accountability.worldbank.org.

The World Bank will enhance the viability of the Rogun HPP by drawing on its global experience in the development of large hydropower projects, including lessons learned and best practices regarding the quality of the design and the efficiency of implementation and the support to governments on technical standards, dam safety, governance, and environmental and social standards. 

A qualified Project Management Consultant (PMC), expected to be financed by the World Bank, will be responsible for day-to-day project management on site, including managing interfaces between contractors, ensuring technical quality, and monitoring contractor compliance with ESF requirements.

Project donors will conduct joint missions at least twice a year and will work closely together and with the PMC to ensure close monitoring and regular reporting. They are also exploring mechanisms to maximize efficiency of supervision, through for example an independent technical advisor.

In addition, independent third-party monitors will be engaged to audit resettlement and livelihood restoration activities. The World Bank will work closely with DFZ to include measures for transparent hiring for the RAP 2/LRP 2 implementation monitor, which could include both local CSOs and international CSOs.

More broadly, the World Bank’s comprehensive engagement in Tajikistan’s energy sector through the Program for Results (Power Utility Financial Recovery Program, P168211) and the Development Policy Operation currently under preparation will also help anchor the project in a sustainable macro-fiscal framework and a sound and transparent governance framework. Specifically, the Government has stated its goal to achieve financial viability by 2027 through cost reflective tariffs, reduction aggregate technical, commercial and collection losses, with a focus on large clients such as Talco and water pumping stations, and through the restructuring of liabilities (i.e., debts and trade payables).

Quarterly consultations on project implementation: Starting in November 2024, the World Bank will organize quarterly consultations with local and international CSOs. These consultations will provide an opportunity to brief CSOs on implementation progress and to discuss environmental and social issues in more detail as pertinent. The World Bank will also facilitate visits to the project site at the same time as supervision missions to meet PAPs, local CSOs, etc. 

Implementation and in Monitoring of Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration: CSOs are expected to play a critical role supporting and monitoring the implementation of the resettlement and livelihood restoration measures. CSOs, particularly women’s groups, are already providing input into the development of livelihood restoration programs, with a focus on small businesses and childcare, and future consultations will prioritize improved access to economic opportunities for resettled communities, including through gender-sensitive approaches. This work is led by DFZ, with support from the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of Population, and other ministries. 

In addition, independent third-party monitors will be engaged to audit resettlement and livelihood restoration activities under the Resettlement Action Plan 2/ Livelihood Restoration Plan 2 (RAP 2/LRP 2) and future RAPs/LRPs. It may be possible that both local CSOs and international CSOs to be hired for the purpose of monitoring the RAP/LRP implementation. This work is led by PMG and the World Bank will work closely with PMG to ensure transparency in the hiring process for the RAP 2/LRP 2 monitor.

The design and construction plans cover both the construction and operational phases, in line with international standards and best practices. The robustness of these designs has been confirmed by the DSPoE, who along with the PMC, will play a key role in supervising dam safety risks during project implementation.

For a project of this magnitude, safety is of utmost importance. Based on detailed geological investigations and seismic hazard assessments, appropriate protective measures have been incorporated into the design of the dam and associated facilities. These assessments have been carried out by reputable international consulting firms and independently reviewed by the DSPoE, which draws on expertise from relevant fields. As additional surveys, investigations, and monitoring activities are conducted, their findings and recommendations will be integrated into the design during project implementation.

Currently, 11 seismic stations are operational for monitoring the dam and reservoir areas throughout the construction, filling, and operational phases. If further studies indicate the need for additional monitoring systems, these will be installed under the guidance of the DSPoE.

The project has also addressed concerns regarding the geologically sensitive zone on the right bank downstream of the dam. Detailed geotechnical investigations, surveys, and monitoring have been conducted to assess risks, with corresponding mitigation measures reviewed and approved by the DSPoE. Monitoring will continue throughout the project, as reflected in the Instrumentation Plan, which covers potential landslide risks.

A construction-stage Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) has been developed and will be updated as the reservoir’s water level rises. The full EPP for the Vakhsh cascade is scheduled for completion by June 2025, following consultations with stakeholders, including downstream riparian countries. A flood forecasting system has also been installed and is operational, providing monitoring and early warnings during the construction stage. This system will be further enhanced under the project.