On June 27, the U.S. Government transferred control of the 105-megawatt Tarakhil Power Plant to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.  Tarakhil, a state-of-the-art thermal facility, is capable of serving more than half a million Kabul residents at peak periods.  Three years ago, Kabul received only a few hours of electricity per day, but now has round-the-clock power thanks to Tarakhil and other energy initiatives.

Flanked by Afghan ministers and accompanied by USAID Mission Director Earl Gast, U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry called the transfer another example of America’s commitment to Afghanistan’s development.  “I am deeply honored to represent the American people to celebrate the success of extending power to 600,000 men, women, and children,” Ambassador Eikenberry said.  “The transfer of this highly efficient power plant to the Government of Afghanistan increases access to energy and affects everything the Afghan Government wants to achieve for its people.”

Ambassador Eikenberry singled out for special recognition the plant’s Afghan operators, who will assume management of the plant and help Afghanistan to meet its goals of self-reliance and businesslike performance in the energy sector.  “These fine young people in green and orange are the future of Afghanistan and the reason for hope and confidence,” the Ambassador said.