SEBZOR HPP
PROJECT DETAILS
Project name: Sebzor Hydropower Project
Project location: Shokhdara River, Tajikistan
Installed capacity: 11 MW
Project owner: Pamir Energy Co. (PEC)
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Standard
Assessment stage: Preparation
Assessment date: 3 - 8 June 2023
ASSESSORS FOR THIS PROJECT
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
In June 2023, following efforts by Pamir Energy to resolve outstanding gaps towards Gold certification, the assessment team conducted a third assessment of the Sebzor HPP to validate the closure of these gaps.
This exercise focused on validating the closure of some of the gaps identified in 2022 and did not constitute a full re-assessment. The assessors reviewed only evidence related to the gaps that had been resolved. New relevant documents are listed at the end of Annex 2 of the revised report. All other information in the initial report remains valid.
The relevant gaps spanned across three HSS sections: HSS-1 E&S Assessment and Management, HSS-3 Water Quality and Sediments, and HSS-4 Community Impacts and Infrastructure Safety. Actions to resolve these gaps included a new water sampling methodology, a revised monitoring strategy for public health issues and a strengthened ESMS, including the attainment of an ISO 14001 certificate. These efforts resulted in a Gold level certification recommendation by the assessment team.
The public consultation period on the assessment report ended on Wednesday, 4 October 2023.
Photo evidence of printed report in Russian placed in strategic areas for project affected communities to provide comments is available here.
RESULTS DIAGRAM
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Standard
Assessment stage: Preparation
Assessment date: 30 September - 5 October 2022
ASSESSORS FOR THIS PROJECT
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Building on the findings of the HESG assessment conducted a year prior, the HS Standard assessment of Sebzor found that the project continues to show ways in which it will positively impact the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast region of Tajikistan and the Badakhshan province in Afghanistan by increased supply and reliability for the existing regional grid operated by PEC.
Since its previous assessment, PEC addressed both gaps found in the Community Impacts and Infrastructure Safety section. Beyond meeting the Minimum Requirements to qualify for an HS Standard certification, Sebzor HPP met at least 30% of the Advanced Requirements on each relevant section, making it eligible to receive a Silver certification.
The project’s HS Standard assessment report was open for a 60-day public consultation period, available on the Hydropower Sustainability Council and Pamir Energy websites, which ended on 23 February 2023. The report was also translated into Russian and shared with local communities affected by the project for their input.
Photo evidence of printed report in Russian placed in strategic areas for project affected communities to provide comments is available here.
RESULTS DIAGRAM
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Gap Analysis Tool (HESG)
Assessment stage: Preparation
Assessment date: 9-18 August 2021
Assessor for this project
JOERG HARTMANN
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
The assessment found that Sebzor HPP will make a significant positive impact to climate change mitigation by providing a very low-carbon source of power and displacing high-carbon energy sources such as firewood, diesel and coal. The project’s environmental impacts are relatively minor due to its small footprint (small reservoir, low diversion weir and limited land disturbance as the pipeline is laid into the existing roadway) and limited biodiversity values.
The project has well-developed processes for labour management and Operation Health and Safety as a result of Pamir Energy’s extensive experience and reputation as one of the most important and attractive employers in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast region of Tajikistan.
The project has two significant gaps in the Community Impacts and Infrastructure Safety topic. Plans are in place to resolve the gaps in the coming 6 months.
The project’s HESG assessment report underwent a 60-day public consultation period, which ended on 17 December 2021.
