UNDP Inaugurates 20 MW Solar Farm Near Kabul
In a significant step towards enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable development in Afghanistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially inaugurated a 20-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic farm on February 4, 2026. Located in the Logar Province, approximately 30 km southwest of Kabul, this project stands as one of the largest renewable energy initiatives in the nation, offering a beacon of hope amidst persistent energy shortages.
Powering a Sustainable Future with the Kabul solar farm
The newly operational solar farm is a critical piece of infrastructure for a country that imports over 80% of its electricity at an annual cost exceeding $400 million. The 20 MW facility is designed to generate enough clean electricity to power an estimated 40,000 households or small businesses, directly addressing the frequent blackouts that affect a majority of Kabul’s residents.
Spanning 50 hectares of land, the farm utilizes over 40,000 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar panels. This clean energy source will connect to Kabul’s 220 kV national grid through a new, dedicated substation, ensuring that the power generated reaches those who need it most.
A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Afghanistan and the Kabul solar farm
This landmark project was made possible through a robust partnership and significant international support. The initiative was primarily financed by a $25 million grant from the Japanese government, channeled through the UN’s Green Climate Fund. The total investment, including local infrastructure development, surpassed $30 million.
Key partners in bringing this project to fruition include the UNDP, which provided crucial technical support, the Afghan Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW), and the private contractor China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC). This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to building a more resilient and self-sufficient energy future for Afghanistan.
Impact Beyond Electricity from the Kabul solar farm
The benefits of the 20 MW solar farm extend far beyond the electrical grid.
- Environmental Gains: The project is projected to prevent approximately 25,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually—the equivalent of taking 5,000 cars off the road. This directly supports Afghanistan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aims for a 25% reduction in emissions by 2030.
- Economic and Social Development: The construction phase created over 200 direct jobs and will provide 50 ongoing maintenance roles, with a strong emphasis on hiring locally. This initiative not only provides power but also stimulates the rural economy in Logar through employment and land lease agreements.
- Energy Independence: By reducing reliance on energy imports by approximately 4% for the Kabul region, the farm strengthens the country’s energy security and sovereignty.
Overcoming Obstacles at the Kabul solar farm
The project’s completion in just 18 months is a testament to the dedication of all involved, especially given the significant challenges. These included navigating security risks, adapting to the harsh, high-altitude terrain with specialized equipment, and overcoming delays related to grid integration and substation upgrades.
This solar farm is part of a broader $100 million renewable energy push by the UNDP in Afghanistan since 2022. It follows successful smaller projects, such as the 10 MW Herat solar plant, and aligns with the de facto authorities’ five-year energy plan to develop 1 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
At the inauguration, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner described the project as “a beacon of hope for sustainable development in fragile contexts.” As the solar panels begin feeding clean power into the grid, they illuminate a path forward, demonstrating how targeted international aid can deliver tangible, life-changing results.
For more information and ongoing updates, please refer to the official UNDP Afghanistan page and reports from the Ministry of Energy and Water.
