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Hydropower

Kyrgyzstan Expands Small Hydropower to Tackle Rising Energy Deficit

Kyrgyzstan is accelerating its development of small hydropower plants as it seeks to close a widening electricity gap driven by surging demand and limited domestic generation capacity. On April 20, two new small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) were commissioned in the country's northern Chui region. The Sokuluk-3 HPP has a capacity of 9.5 MW, while the Tuyuk HPP has a capacity of 5.9 MW. Combined, they are expected to generate between 60 million and 70 million kWh of electricity annually. Speaking at the launch ceremony, President Sadyr Japarov underscored the strategic importance of small-scale hydropower. “Such projects increase the resilience of the energy system and facilitate the gradual reduction of the energy deficit. Today, 48 small hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 180 MW are operating in Kyrgyzstan. They play a significant role in strengthening energy independence and reducing dependence on imports,” he said. The government is scaling up efforts in the sector, with 50 small HPPs currently under construction across the country. Of these, 13 are scheduled to be commissioned in 2026. Electricity demand in Kyrgyzstan continues to rise rapidly. In 2025, total consumption reached 19.3 billion kWh, up by 900 million kWh compared to the previous year. Domestic generation accounted for 15.4 billion kWh, while the remaining 3.9 billion kWh was covered through imports from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. According to Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobayev, electricity consumption has grown by more than 25% over the past five years, rising from 15.4 billion kWh in 2020. “If current electricity consumption rates continue, it could reach 25 billion kWh by 2030,” Torobayev said. The surge in demand has been driven by rapid housing construction and the launch of new industrial facilities. With Kyrgyzstan’s population now exceeding 7.4 million, the number of electricity consumers is expanding steadily. Over the past three years alone, 4,192 industrial facilities and 96,975 households have been connected to the national grid, according to the Energy Ministry. Despite the expansion of generation capacity, supply continues to lag behind demand, prompting authorities to prioritize small hydropower as a flexible and scalable solution to improve energy security and reduce reliance on imports.

Hydropower

The Number of Small Hydropower Plants in Kyrgyzstan Has Doubled in Five Years

Over the past five years, the number of small hydropower plants (HPPs) in Kyrgyzstan has more than doubled. The expansion of small-scale hydropower has become a key priority of state energy policy aimed at reducing electricity shortages and strengthening national energy security. During this period, 27 small HPPs were commissioned across the country. As a result, 43 such plants are currently in operation. According to government plans, by the end of 2030, an additional 44 small hydropower facilities are expected to come online, effectively doubling the sector’s current capacity once again. The Ministry of Energy reports that in 2026 alone, 17 new small HPPs are scheduled for construction across all regions of the country, with a combined installed capacity of 1,113.4 megawatts (MW). Earlier, speaking before the country's parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev stated that 19 additional small HPPs with a total capacity of 203.8 MW are planned for commissioning in 2027. “The electricity shortage is a temporary phenomenon. We are moving toward reducing the gap between electricity consumption and production,” he said. The projected capacity figures suggest a sharp increase in generation potential. However, the announced 1,113.4 MW capacity for 17 small HPPs in 2026 appears unusually high for facilities categorized as “small” and may require clarification, as small hydropower plants typically operate at significantly lower individual capacities. According to the Water Resources Service, Kyrgyzstan’s total hydropower potential is estimated at 174 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), with an overall capacity of 19.8 million kilowatts (19.8 gigawatts). This indicates that a substantial share of the country’s river-based energy potential remains undeveloped, creating room for further expansion of small-scale hydropower infrastructure. Given Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous terrain and extensive river network, hydropower remains the backbone of its electricity generation system. The government views small HPPs as a faster and less capital-intensive complement to large hydropower stations, particularly in remote regions.

Hydropower

EDB to Fund Feasibility Study for Kyrgyz Hydropower Cascade

On September 18, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Orta Asya Investment Holding signed an agreement to develop a feasibility study for the Suusamyr-Kokomeren hydropower plant cascade project in Kyrgyzstan. The study will be financed by the EDB, a multilateral development bank headquartered in Almaty that invests across its member states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This agreement builds on earlier investment deals between Kyrgyzstan and Central Asian Investment Holding, a subsidiary of Turkey’s İhlas Holding, to develop both the Kokomeren and Kazarman cascades. With a combined capacity of 2,217 MW, these agreements were signed on August 11 by Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev and Ahmet Mücahid Ören, Chairman of İhlas Holding’s Board of Directors. These projects are considered strategically important for both Kyrgyzstan and the broader Central Asian region, with planned investments exceeding $6 billion. Once completed, they are expected to increase Kyrgyzstan’s electricity generation capacity by more than 50%, meeting rising domestic demand and enabling future electricity exports. The Kokomeren River cascade will include three hydroelectric plants with a combined capacity of 1,305 MW: Karakol HPP - 33 MW Kokomeren-1 HPP - 360 MW Kokomeren-2 HPP - 912 MW Under the terms of the agreements, Central Asian Investment Holding will operate the plants for 20 years, with Kyrgyzstan guaranteeing the purchase of the electricity generated. İhlas Holding, through its subsidiary, is also developing a 250 MW natural gas-fired combined heat and power plant (CHPP-2) in Bishkek. Scheduled for commissioning in 2028, CHPP-2 is expected to enhance the capital’s heating and electricity supply while reducing reliance on the aging coal-fired Thermal Power Plant, currently the city’s primary energy source. The parallel development of hydropower and cleaner thermal energy projects is seen as central to Kyrgyzstan’s energy transition, offering both economic benefits and improved environmental outcomes.

Eurasian Development Bank

EDB Begins Pre-Feasibility Study for Hydropower Plant Cascade in Kyrgyzstan

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce have signed a technical assistance agreement to initiate a pre-feasibility study for the Hydropower Plant (HPP) Cascade Project. The announcement was made on March 26 and marks a significant step forward in the development of one of Kyrgyzstan’s most ambitious energy infrastructure projects. This agreement builds on the existing partnership between the EDB and the Ministry, established under a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in December 2024. Scope of the Study Under the agreement, the EDB will finance the pre-feasibility study, which will include: Estimating preliminary capital expenditures Developing key technical solutions Assessing environmental and social impacts Outlining state support measures needed for project implementation The study will be carried out in collaboration with the Ministry and a designated consulting firm. Strategic Importance of the Suusamyr-Kokomeren Cascade The planned hydropower cascade will be situated on the Kokomeren River and consist of three power plants with a combined installed capacity of 1,305 MW. The project is expected to significantly enhance Kyrgyzstan’s electricity generation capacity, help meet growing domestic energy demands, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydropower is a cornerstone of Kyrgyzstan’s renewable energy strategy, and the Suusamyr-Kokomeren project is envisioned as a key driver of energy security and regional development. Regional and International Cooperation The EDB is a multilateral development institution comprising six member states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. It finances regional development projects that foster economic integration across Eurasia. It is worth noting that in early 2024, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy signed memorandums of understanding with China National Electric Engineering Co. Ltd. These agreements include cooperation on the construction of both the Suusamyr-Kokomeren HPP Cascade and the Kara-Kechin thermal power plant. Together, these initiatives underscore Kyrgyzstan’s strategic push to diversify its energy portfolio and strengthen infrastructure through international partnerships and sustainable energy investments.

Hydropower

Turkish Company to Build Hydropower Plants in Kyrgyzstan and New Heat and Power Plant for Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy and Turkish open joint-stock company Orta Asya Investment Holding signed a protocol of intent on February 27 to construct the Kazarman cascade of hydroelectric power plants (HPP) on the Naryn River, with a total capacity of 912 MW. New Hydropower Projects According to the Ministry of Energy, the agreement includes preparations for an investment agreement and a feasibility study for the project. Orta Asya Investment Holding has expressed interest in constructing three hydropower plants in the cascade: Ala-Buga HPP - 600 MW Kara-Bulun-1 HPP - 149 MW Kara-Bulun-2 HPP = 163 MW Together, these HPPs will generate 3.746 billion kWh of electricity annually, significantly contributing to Kyrgyzstan’s growing energy demands. New Heat and Power Plant for Bishkek On the same day, the Ministry of Energy and Orta Asya Investment Holding discussed the construction of a 250 MW natural gas-fired combined heat and power plant (CHPP-2) in Bishkek. The project is estimated to take 2 - 4 years, with a budget of $443 million. Orta Asya Investment Holding has committed to investing approximately 3 billion KGS (about $34 million) in the project. The Ministry and the company have agreed to finalize a feasibility study for Bishkek CHPP-2 within three months and then begin implementation. Once completed, CHPP-2 will: Increase the country’s energy capacity. Ensure stable electricity and heat supply for residents and businesses. Improve Bishkek’s environmental situation by using natural gas, a cleaner energy source. CHPP-2 will be Bishkek’s second power plant, reducing reliance on the city’s aging Thermal Power Plant (TPP). Power Shortage in Bishkek Bishkek, home to over one million residents, currently relies on a single power plant for both electricity and heating. The Bishkek TPP produces approximately 13% of Kyrgyzstan’s total electricity output, with the remainder coming from hydropower plants. The TPP also provides heat and hot water to nearly two-thirds of the capital. However, the aging plant has suffered two major accidents in recent years: January 2018 - A breakdown left the city without heating for three days in freezing temperatures. February 2, 2024 - An explosion seriously injured three people and forced authorities to impose hot water and heating restrictions in some parts of the city. Following the 2024 accident, the government prohibited newly built high-rise residential buildings from connecting to the existing TPP heating system. Once completed, Bishkek CHPP-2 is expected to meet the city’s growing heating needs and reduce the risk of energy shortages.

Hydropower

Kazakhstan to Help Build Small Hydropower Plants in Kyrgyzstan

The energy ministries of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have signed a roadmap for the construction of small hydropower plants (HPPs) in Kyrgyzstan. The agreement, signed on February 25 during a visit by the Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, to Kazakhstan, aims to enhance energy cooperation between the two nations, and support Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to develop its hydropower potential. Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister, Almasadam Satkaliyev, emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to regional cooperation in the energy sector. “We consider this a guarantee of stability and prosperity for all of Central Asia. The signing of the roadmap with Kyrgyzstan is further proof of our commitment to this goal. We are ready to share our experience and resources to build an energy-independent future together," he said. In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has intensified its efforts to boost electricity generation and address chronic power shortages by modernizing existing and constructing new hydropower plants. One of the largest ongoing projects is Kambarata-1, a joint initiative involving Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Kambarata-1, once completed, will be the largest hydropower plant in Kyrgyzstan. The project is expected to enhance regional cooperation in water and energy resource management. Discussions on the progress of Kambarata-1 are ongoing, involving Central Asian countries and the World Bank. The Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan hydropower cooperation marks another step toward strengthening Central Asia’s energy infrastructure. With Kazakhstan’s expertise and resources, Kyrgyzstan is expected to make significant progress in achieving energy security and sustainability.