Sheberghan Gas Generation Activity (SGGA) Quarterly Report

The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is jointly sponsored by USAID and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The project's objective is to increase the production of natural gas in the Sheberghan area and to improve the efficiency of the gas distribution system. The project is being implemented by Advanced Engineering Associates International, Inc. (AEAI) and is being managed by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP). The project's progress is being monitored and reported on a quarterly basis. The quarterly report for the period July 1 to September 30, 2013, highlights the progress made in various areas of the project. One of the key areas of focus for the project is the procurement of technical assistance for the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), the national electricity utility company of Afghanistan. The project has requested proposals from Siemens to conduct a power study on the interconnection and operation of the proposed Sheberghan power plant. The study is expected to provide recommendations for the efficient operation of the power plant and to identify areas for improvement. The project has also been working on capacity development for the MoMP and DABS. The project has corresponded with the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) regarding gas processing trainings that they are planning for their amine plant and compressor stations. The project plans to send trainees to observe the training once TFBSO finalizes their plans. In addition, the project has solicited proposals from four qualified training companies for the On-site Field Representative training. The project has also begun translating drilling terminology and background information from English to Dari. A master schedule for capacity building courses for the remainder of the option period has been drafted. The project has also been working on capacity development for DABS and MEW. The project has completed a statement of work and requested a proposal from Siemens to provide a power system simulator training. The project has also designed the capacity building objectives and topics for DABS in relation to the addition of 200 MW to the electricity grid in the northwest provinces. The project has encountered several problems, including delays in the procurement of technical assistance for DABS and difficulties in obtaining business licenses for training providers. However, the project has taken remedial steps to address these problems, including requesting proposals from alternative training providers and working with the preferred training provider to obtain a business license in Afghanistan. Overall, the SGGA project is making progress in its objectives to develop the gas industry in Afghanistan and to improve the efficiency of the gas distribution system. However, the project still faces several challenges, including delays in the procurement of technical assistance and difficulties in obtaining business licenses for training providers.