Central Asia Launches Kambar-Ata 1 Hydropower Plant Project

A trilateral joint venture between Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan has launched the Kambar-Ata 1 Hydropower Plant project. This initiative, located on the Naryn River in the Kyrgyz Republic, aims to bolster regional energy and water security while fostering cooperation. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Central Asian energy ministries have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to propel the project forward.

The Kambar-Ata 1 Hydropower Plant will feature four turbines, generating a total capacity of 1,860 megawatts. Annually, it is projected to produce approximately 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. This significant investment is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the region's energy and water security, as well as promoting sustainable infrastructure development.

The signing ceremony, held in Brussels, was attended by senior officials from the EBRD, the three Central Asian countries, the EIB, and the European Commission. Hüseyin Özhan, the EBRD's Managing Director for Central Asia and Head of the Almaty Resident Office, was present. Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov underscored the country's commitment to being a strategic energy partner for Europe, focusing on renewable energy, critical materials, and green hydrogen production. Additionally, Kazakhstan concluded a new green energy cooperation agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) at the forum.

The MoUs signed in Brussels are poised to attract long-term European investment, shaping a sustainable energy future for Central Asia. The Kambar-Ata 1 Hydropower Plant, with its substantial capacity and annual output, is set to significantly contribute to the region's energy landscape and promote cooperation among the participating nations.