Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower project: All about the dam set to become the world’s tallest | Today’s news
Tajikistan is building what is expected to be the world’s tallest dam, a massive hydropower project that could transform the country’s electricity system.
The Rogun Hydropower Project, which is being built on the Vakhsh River, includes a 335-meter-high rock dam with an earthen core. When completed, the structure will be taller than the world’s current tallest dam and will be central to Tajikistan’s plans to expand electricity generation from renewable sources, reduce winter power shortages and increase electricity exports.
The project is already generating electricity, even as the dam is still under construction. Two of the six planned generating units are operational, allowing Tajikistan to increase electricity production after the completion of the successive stages of the dam and reservoir.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Rogun Hydropower project, from its height and energy capacity to its history, financing and regional importance.
How high will the Rogun Dam be?
Rogun Dam is designed to reach 335 meters (about 1,099 feet).
In August 2026, construction reached a major milestone when the dam was raised to an altitude of 1,155 meters above sea level. At the time, the structure stood at a height of approximately 190 meters, and construction continued to a final height of 335 meters.
The last increase in the height of the dam will allow the water level in the reservoir to rise by another 40 meters and reach 1,140 meters above sea level. This will provide more water and more hydraulic head for the two turbines already operating, allowing them to generate more electricity while construction continues.
Where is the Rogun Hydropower Project?
The project is located on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan, upstream of the Nurek hydroelectric power station and approximately 110 kilometers from the capital Dushanbe.
The Vakhsh is a major tributary of the Amudarya river system, making the Rogun important not only for supplying electricity to Tajikistan, but also for wider water and energy management in Central Asia.
The project is being developed by OJSC Rogun HPP with the Italian construction company Webuild, which is carrying out the main construction works under Lot 2.
How much electricity does Rogun produce?
The completed plant is to have six turbines of 600 MW each, giving the project a total installed capacity of 3,600 MW, according to Webuild.
However, World Bank project documents speak of a projected generation capacity of 3,780 MW.
The World Bank estimates that Rogun could produce about 14,400 GWh of renewable electricity annually. It is said to be equivalent to roughly 60% of Tajikistan’s current electricity generation and could help address chronic winter power shortages.
Once fully operational, the project is expected to substantially increase Tajikistan’s electricity generation capacity.
Why is Tajikistan building such a huge dam?
The main reason is energy security.
Tajikistan has historically struggled with electricity shortages, especially during the winter months when demand rises. Rogun is intended to provide a large, more reliable source of domestic electricity and reduce the country’s dependence on external energy supplies.
The World Bank says the project could give about 10 million people better access to affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.
The additional electricity is expected to support industrial development and economic diversification.
How will the dam be built?
Rogun is a large-scale engineering enterprise involving the construction of dam embankments, foundation consolidation, underground works and waterproofing.
During the early stages, engineers diverted the Vakhsh River through underground tunnels to allow work on the dam’s foundations in relatively dry conditions.
Webuild said that by August 2026, around 49 million cubic meters of material had been placed and more than 500,000 linear meters of boreholes had been completed for foundation consolidation and the construction of the joint curtain.
The works include raising the levee of the dam, strengthening the foundations, building injection tunnels and installing an impermeable barrier system.
What role will Rogun play?
Rogun is being developed as more than just a domestic energy project.
The World Bank says the plant is expected to boost electricity exports to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, helping those countries replace some of their fossil fuel-based generation while boosting regional electricity markets.
The project could thus become an important part of the emerging regional energy network in Central Asia.
Its ability to store water and provide electricity when needed could also help integrate variable renewables such as solar and wind into regional grids.
A project with a long history
Rogun is not a new idea.
Construction began during the Soviet era in 1976, but development was halted after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The project was subsequently revived and developed into one of the largest infrastructure enterprises in Tajikistan.
The current project represents a major attempt to turn the country’s huge hydropower potential into a long-term source of domestic electricity and regional exports.
How much will the project cost?
The total funding requirements for the project are much larger than the World Bank’s contribution.
The World Bank says Tajikistan cannot finance the project entirely on its own, so it is working with international development partners to structure the financing.
The World Bank approved the first phase of its Sustainable Financing for Rogun HPP program in December 2024. The program was subsequently restructured and entered into force in December 2025.
In June 2026, the World Bank approved another grant of $300 million for the second phase of the project, bringing Rogun’s total planned funding to $650 million.
Other institutions involved or considering support include the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and several bilateral development funds.
(With input from content on We Build Group, World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank)
