Minutes of the consultation meeting on ESIA with riparian countries

Minutes of the consultation meeting on

ESIA with riparian countries

• Mr. Safarzoda Manuchehr, Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources
• Mr. Muhiddiniyon Pulod, Director of PMG EFC
• Mr. Jamilzoda Manuchehr, Director of Directorate of Flooding Zone of Rogun HPP
• Mr. Saidzoda Rustam, Deputy Director of Directorate of Flooding Zone of Rogun HPP
• Mr. Asozoda Mamadumar, General Director of OJSC “Barqi Tojik”
• Mr. Saduloev Murod, Technical Director, OJSC Rogun HPP
• Mr. Salimov Behruz, Director for Innovation, Economic and Social Issues, International Relations and Investment Mobilization, OJSC Rogun HPP
• Mr. Atoev Parviz, TA Project Coordinator
• Mr. Begmuradov Bakhtiyor, TA Senior E&S Specialist
• Mr. Fayzullozoda Ayub, TA Social Development Specialist
• Mr. Jack Mozingo, TA Senior E&S Advisor  
• Mr. Robert Zwahlen, TA Senior E&S Advisor  

Delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

• Mr. Alibek Bekmukhamedov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Regulation and Control (online).

Delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic:

• Mr. Emil Ysmanov, Deputy Minister of Energy (Head of Delegation)
• Mr. Ruslan Kazakbayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Turkey
• Mr. Emil Mukhambetov, Director, Project Management Office of the Kambarata-1 Project
• Ms. Asel Raimkulova, Expert of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration
• Mr. Almaz Zheenaliev, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry
• Mr. Sultan Akhmatov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce
• Mr. Tatenov N., Expert, Sector Policy Department of the Administration of the President
• Mr. Emil Kaikiev, Advisor to the Minister of Energy
• Mr. N. Jeksheev, Deputy Director, OJSC "Electric Power Plants" 
• Mr. Begulan Mukhidin uulu, Head of Department, OJSC "Electric Power Plants"
• Ms. Suydumkan Zainidinova, Specialist at the Ministry of Energy
• Mr. Aziz Kyshtobayev, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Republic of Turkey

Delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

• Mr. Umarhuja Nigmonov, Ministry of Energy (online)
• Mr. Behzod Komiljonov, JSC Uzbekenergo (online)

Representatives of the Dam Safety and E&S Panel of Experts:

• Ms. Ljiljana Spasic-Gril, Chair of DSPoE (online)
• Ms. Afshan Khawaja, Chair of ESPoE (online)
• Mr. Ioannis Karavokyris, Hydrologist, member of DSPoE and ESPoE

Representatives of the World Bank:

• Mr. Maged Hamed, Senior Environmental Specialist (online)
• Ms. Harjot Kaur, Senior Social Development Specialist (online)
• Mr. Gaurav Joshi, Senior Environmental Specialist (online)
• Mr. Aleix Serrat-Capdevilla, Water Resources Management Specialist (online)

Representative of the AIIB:

• Mr. Mark Barnard, Senior Environmental Specialist (online)

Representative of the CDP:

• Mr. Peter Bergstein (online)

Representative of the European Delegation to Tajikistan:

• Mr. Hussam Hussein (online)

The agenda

1. Discussion of environmental and social aspects of the Rogun HPP project.

2. Presentation of the updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report.

3. Presentations by the PMG international consultants and members of the Panels of Experts.

4. Questions and comments from representatives of riparian countries.

5. Closing remarks and agreements on further actions.

Course of the meeting

 1. Opening remarks

Mr. Usmonzoda Usmonali, opened the meeting, thanked the participants and noted that the discussion would focus on environmental and social issues related to the implementation of the Rogun HPP project.

2. Presentation of the updated ESIA report

Mr. Jack Mozingo made the presentation on the updated three-volume ESIA report.

He noted that the Report includes:

• Volume 1 – The most significant potential impacts;

• Volume 2 – 9 Technical Annexes;

• Volume 3 – Environmental and Social Management Plan.

The speaker emphasized the project's compliance with international standards and the availability of a comprehensive analysis of alternatives, methodology, baseline conditions and impact assessment on water resources.

3. Questions and Answers

Questions and comments from representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic

1. According to the ESIA assessment, what specific conclusions are given on upstream and downstream impacts, and what are the main characteristics?

Response (Mr. Jack Mozingo): The ESIA report covers potential impacts on both upstream and downstream. Overall, the conclusion is that no significant changes are expected.

2. On the 4th page of the report, the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan (RT), the standards of the World Bank and the Asian Bank are indicated. If there are discrepancies between RT standards and international standards, which ones will be applied?

Answer (Mr. Mozingo): An analysis has been carried out. There are no significant contradictions. The stringent standards will be applied to ensure the best control.

3. If the standards of the European Investment Bank turn out to be stricter than those of the World Bank, will they be applied?

Answer (Mr. Mozingo): In general, the standards of all international financial institutions are similar. The main goal is to minimize the impact. The ESIA uses the most rigorous methods.

4. Tajikistan is not a State Party to the UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (informally called the Espoo Convention). All the procedures that you carry out, as you noted, are the requirements of the World Bank. To date, you have held consultations with the countries with which you border, that is, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Are there any questions or comments from these countries that they are concerned about?

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): Our first consultation took place in 2011, when we were preparing the first version of ESIA document. For three years, consultations were held in Almaty in five rounds with the participation of neighboring countries. And upon completion of these consultations in 2023, the report was approved, the World Bank agreed and the project was supported. The Republic of Tajikistan continued the construction of the project.

Later, to continue the construction, we turned to financial institutions, and the first meeting with them took place in December 2021 in Dushanbe. There was a request from financial institutions to review and update the ESIA report in order to comply with their updated requirements and standards, and it was updated taking into account the recommendations of neighboring countries.

We would like to hear comments and questions again from our neighboring countries — Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan — regarding reservoir filling, dam safety, and other aspects.

5. There are about 50,000 people in the flood zone. Have surveys been conducted, and how many percent support the project?

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): The project is generally supported in Tajikistan. Of the 50,000 residents, 15,000 have already been resettled or are in the process of resettling. 3 resettlement options are offered:

• monetary compensation;

• land plot near cities + funds for construction;

• land in mountainous areas + funds.

Addendum (Mr. Manuchehr Jamilzoda): There are reports on the resettlement, i.e. updated Resettlement Action Plan and Livelihood Restoration Plan. International and national consultants conduct meetings and surveys. As of today, 1,638 families have been surveyed.

6. About $5 billion more is needed to complete the construction of the Rogun HPP. How are you planning to resolve this issue?

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): It will take about $6 billion to complete. About 3 billion will be provided by the state budget and the sale of electricity, the rest through external financing. Negotiations are underway with 17 financial institutions; half of the agreements have already been signed.

7. What year is the planned commissioning?

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): In 2025, the dam was raised to 1100 m above sea level, by September - to 1110 m. In 2026 — up to 1,140 m, in 2027 — up to 1,175 m. The launch of the 4th unit is planned for September 2027.

8. What is the total capacity of the reservoir?

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): It is 13.3 cubic kilometers. The filling of the reservoir will be phased according to plans and requirements.

9. Regarding CASA-1000, will the Rogun HPP affect 500 kV lines?

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): There is no influence; comments on the presentation will be taken into account.

10. Regarding the increased use of water after the completion of construction.

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): Tajikistan does not plan to exceed the volumes stipulated by international agreements.

11. Regarding the spillway structures?

Answer (Mr. Murod Saduloev): The structures are designed for a probable maximum flood (PMF).

Addendum (Mr. Usmonzoda): Discharge capacity increased from 5,400 to 7,800 m3/s.

12. Regarding methods for mitigating environmental impacts?

Answer (Mr. Mozingo): The ESIA provides comprehensive measures.

Addendum (Mr. Usmonzoda): All mitigation measures will be taken into account.

13. Regarding biodiversity. What measures are expected?

Answers:

• Mr. Mozingo: The research was conducted in 2013-2014 and 2023-2024.

• Mr. Bakhtiyor Begmuradov: The new ESIA (2025) is not just an addition to the ESIA (2014), it covers three years of comprehensive research, including red book species.

• Mr. Mozingo: Specific measures include conservation/restoration of juniper forest (70 ha), expansion of floodplain areas.

14. Regarding sediments and service life.

Answer (Mr. Saduloev): The service life of the HPP will be about 115 years.

Addendum (Mr. Pulod Muhiddiniyon): The new water intakes will also extend the service life of the hydraulic units.

15. Regarding the construction of new hydroelectric power plants.

Answer:

• In Tajikistan, it is planned to build hydroelectric power plants on the Khingob, Surkhob and Shurob Rivers.

• No construction is planned on the territory of neighboring countries.

16. Power issue: the report indicates 3,780 MW instead of 3,600 MW.

Answer (Mr. Saduloev): Compared to the original project, the generators (height) have been changed, respectively, the power has increased automatically.

17. Question: How much money has been allocated to improve the well-being of the local population?

Answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): 3% of the construction cost is allocated annually to the socio-economic development of the region (starting in 2025). After the HPP is put into operation, the share will increase to 5% of the station's revenues.

Addendum (Mr. Muhiddiniyon): With the assistance of Monkey Forest consultants, a mechanism has been developed to distribute benefits among the population of the region.

18. Question: What negative aspects are listed in the "Water" chapter of this ESIA?

The answer (Mr. Usmonzoda): We would like to receive written comments from the riparian countries. Comments from Uzbekistan are expected.

19. Has ESIA been conducted in riparian countries?

Answer (Mr. Mozingo): No such work has been carried out. The impact is limited to the Nurek HPP. Conducting ESIA in riparian countries does not make sense.

Addendum (Mr. Ioannis Karavokiris): If the Rogun HPP had been built without the Nurek HPP, the impact would have been much higher. All the key changes occurred during the construction of the Nurek HPP.

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 4. Presentations and expert opinions from both panels of experts

• Ms. Liliana Spasic-Gril (Chair of the DSPoE): She emphasized the supervisory role of the panel, research on sedimentation and hydrology, and modeling of accident scenarios.

• Ms. Afshan Khawaja (Chair of the ESPoE): She noted the independent expertise, recommendations on mitigation of SE consequences, and work with stakeholders.

• Mr. Ioanis Karavokiris: presented "Comments on the ESIA chapter on Water, with a focus on riparian countries."

Discussion:

• The representative of Kyrgyzstan asked questions about the capacity (increase to 3,780 MW), social programs and the outcomes of the "Water" chapter.

• Mr. Usmonzoda noted that 3% of revenues from electricity generation are allocated annually to the development of the region, with further growth to 4% and up to 5% after the launch of the HPP at full capacity.

The representative of Uzbekistan requested to send presentations for review

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5. Presentation of the project consultant

Dr. Robert Zwahlen presented the presentation "Rogun HPP: Impact on Water", divided into two parts:

1. Impact on water resources.

2. Assessment of the transboundary cumulative impact.

6. Online discussion:

• The Representative of Kazakhstan: had no critical comments.

• The Representative of Uzbekistan: noted the absence of colleagues from the Ministries of Water Resources and of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and said that the main questions and comments would be submitted later in writing. A question was asked about the limits of water use in previous years – is Tajikistan going to use water unused in previous years to fill the reservoir?

• Mr. Zwahlen's answer: he answered the question about the unused average of 1.2 cubic km of water under international treaties. These volumes are calculated for presentation purposes only.

• Mr. Usmonzoda's addition: unused limits on irrigation in the future will be used to fill the reservoir. There is no question of previously unused volumes.

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7.      Closing statements

• Representatives of Tajikistan (Mr. Safarzoda, Mr. Muhiddiniyon, Mr. Jamilzoda, Mr. Saduloev) confirmed their commitment to international standards, emphasized openness to comments, and thanked the consultants.

• Representatives of Uzbekistan: noted the constructive nature of the meeting, asked to take future comments without negative perception.

• Representatives of Kazakhstan: had no comments.

• The international consultants (Mr. Zwahlen, Mr. Mozingo, Mr. Karavokiris, Ms. Spasic-Gril and Ms. Khawaja expressed their appreciation for the cooperation.

Chairman Usmonzoda Usmonali thanked the participants, consultants and financial institutions, and stressed the importance of further dialogue with the riparian countries.

Decisions taken

1. Representatives of the riparian countries will send written comments on the ESIA by September 12, 2025.

2. Consultations will be continued at the end of September 2025.

3. All presentation materials will be shared with interested parties.

4. Comments and suggestions will be taken into account in the updated version of the ESIA.