Power transmission in Afghanistan: Challenges, opportunities and proposals

Abstract

<p>The power transmission system of Afghanistan is witnessing a significant shortage in terms of capacity, reliability, flexibility, and energy security. The goal of this paper was to identify and examine the associated issues, challenges, and opportunities for domestic transmission grid and power imports in the country. On these bases, proposals and recommendations were provided that can help the Afghan energy sector strategically enhance its transmission capacity and make the country's existing massive renewable energy potential exploitation feasible. The focus was on the expansion of high-voltage direct current transmission technology. The findings of the paper revealed that the utilization of high-voltage direct current, hybrid high-voltage alternating current, and high-voltage direct current transmission technologies can facilitate bulk power transmission and trade between south and central Asia, as well as regional energy sustainability, development, and security.</p>