Geothermal Energy in Tajikistan: A Path to Sustainable Heating, Energy Diversification, and Climate Change Adaptation

The paper explores the potential of geothermal heat pumps in Tajikistan as a means to achieve sustainable heating, enhance energy diversification, and adapt to climate change challenges. Tajikistan, a predominantly hydropower-dependent nation accounting for over 90 percent of its electricity generation, faces a critical energy challenge during the winter months characterized by heightened heating demand due to plummeting temperatures and irregular river water flow. While the construction of additional dams and hydroelectric power stations may provide a mid-term remedy, the looming specter of global warming and diminishing glacier volumes threatens to exacerbate this predicament by further reducing water flow. This paper posits that geothermal energy represent a viable alternative energy source for addressing Tajikistan's energy diversification needs, particularly with regard to heating demand. Drawing upon comprehensive energy data analysis, this paper elucidates the rationales behind geothermal energy technology adoption and provides estimations of the anticipated benefits stemming from its implementation. Keywords: Energy diversification; Climate change adaptation; Tajikistan.