Published: 2010
Total Pages: 32
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This report presents the results of our review of U.S. efforts to develop Afghanistan's energy sector. Years of war and neglect have left Afghanistan's electrical sector in poor condition. Since 2002, U.S. and international donors have invested millions in the construction of energy infrastructure and building capacity to grow and sustain Afghanistan's energy sector. This report reviews the overall energy sector plans and U.S. agency programs in Afghanistan, focusing primarily on the energy assistance program of the largest U.S. contributor to this effort, the U.S. Agency for International Development. The report includes four recommendations for the Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission to Afghanistan to improve the effectiveness of and planning for energy projects in Afghanistan. Afghanistan lacks a current Energy Sector Master Plan that establishes priorities, time frames, and costs associated with energy sector goals. Ambitious goals that guide Afghanistan's energy sector priorities are unlikely to be met in the established time frames. Assistance from the United States and other donors has increased power generation and accessibility in Afghanistan since 2001. Afghanistan's installed energy capacity has grown from approximately 430 megawatts (MW) in 2001 to 1029 MW in September 2009. However, Afghanistan faces several sustainability challenges in maintaining and growing its energy supply. Specifically, the Afghanistan government lacks the ability to collect revenue, which limits their ability to independently operate and expand the power system, and the ability to recruit and retain qualified staff. The United States has taken steps to address many of Afghanistan's energy generation and capacity issues, but projects have faced delays and increased costs and USAID lacks time frames and goals for capacity building and operations and maintenance.
