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Water resources

Kazakhstan and Israel Strengthen Cooperation on Water Resource Management

On November 11, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov and Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation David Amsalem signed a memorandum of cooperation to deepen bilateral ties in the field of water resource management. The agreement outlines joint efforts in modernizing Kazakhstan’s water management infrastructure, improving water use efficiency, implementing water-saving and reuse technologies, and exchanging expertise in innovation and technology, particularly in the collection, management, and processing of remote sensing data. The memorandum also covers cooperation in the digitalization of water resource monitoring, flood and drought risk management, scientific and technical collaboration, and specialist training programs. As part of the visit, the ministers held talks with representatives of leading Israeli companies to explore partnerships on introducing water-saving technologies in Kazakh agriculture and training Kazakh specialists at Israeli enterprises. “Israel has extensive experience in water resource management under challenging climatic conditions and offers advanced technologies,” said Minister Nurzhigitov. “We are interested in long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation to modernize Kazakhstan’s water sector across the board, including the digitalization of water metering and distribution, deployment of cutting-edge water-saving systems, use of modern data collection methods, and professional development of our specialists.” Israeli firms have previously expressed interest in participating in the construction and reconstruction of reservoirs in Kazakhstan, and in supplying the country with modern flood forecasting and protection systems. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation plans to build 20 new reservoirs by 2030, with a combined capacity of 2.5 billion cubic meters. The project is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on upstream water sources from Kyrgyzstan and China by 25%, mitigate drought in southern regions, and lower flood risks for 70 rural settlements with a combined population of nearly 140,000. Additionally, irrigation will be expanded to cover another 250,000 hectares of farmland. The ministry also plans to reconstruct 15 existing reservoirs, adding another 1.9 billion cubic meters in water storage capacity.

Energy

Kyrgyzstan Moves to Develop Local Lithium Battery Production

On September 26, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce signed a memorandum of cooperation with Russian state atomic energy corporation Rosatom, Energy Solutions Kyrgyzstan LLC, and Elbrus Construction Company LLC to explore the development of lithium battery and energy storage system production in Kyrgyzstan. According to the ministry, the agreement outlines joint efforts to analyze the domestic lithium battery market, prepare proposals for localized production, and implement projects focused on energy storage solutions within the country. The initiative is expected to attract high-tech investment, generate new jobs, and contribute to Kyrgyzstan’s energy independence. It also supports the development of clean and sustainable energy technologies. The project is particularly relevant as the number of imported electric vehicles (EVs) in Kyrgyzstan continues to rise, alongside government plans to localize EV assembly. The initiative aligns with the country’s broader strategy to promote eco-friendly transport options and reduce air pollution, especially in urban areas such as Bishkek. In a related development, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding in June with South Korean companies EVSIS, NGS, and the Korea Automobile Environment Association. That agreement focuses on expanding EV charging infrastructure in Bishkek. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, South Korean stakeholders also plan to launch production of EV charging stations in Kyrgyzstan. The project aims to establish a local manufacturing facility and develop a nationwide charging network across major cities and regions.

Air Pollution

Korean Firm to Reduce Emissions from Bishkek Heating Plant

On September 24, the Bishkek city administration and South Korea’s EcoMotion signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at cutting air pollution in the Kyrgyz capital. The agreement focuses on the introduction of advanced High Voltage Power Supply (HVPS) air purification technologies at the Bishkek Thermal Power Plant (TPP). The initiative begins with a preliminary feasibility study for installing high-voltage electrostatic precipitators, devices that use a strong electrostatic field to capture particulate matter such as dust and smoke from gas emissions. The technology is designed to reduce harmful pollutants produced by the thermal plant, which relies primarily on coal to generate electricity and heat for the city. The project forms part of the Bishkek City Development Program, which prioritizes clean air and improved environmental conditions. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, emissions from the Bishkek TPP account for approximately 15% of the city’s air pollution. The Bishkek thermal plant generates 13% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity, the majority of which is otherwise supplied by hydropower, and provides heat and hot water to nearly two-thirds of the capital’s population. Air quality remains a serious concern in Bishkek, a city of over one million residents. Pollution levels spike during winter months, when widespread coal burning for residential heating significantly increases emissions. Bishkek frequently ranks among the top 10 most polluted cities worldwide, according to IQAir’s global air quality index.

Water Management

Kazakhstan and China Expand Cooperation in Water Management

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Power China to strengthen bilateral collaboration in water management. The agreement outlines plans for modernizing hydraulic infrastructure, reconstructing irrigation systems, and enhancing technical capacity through training programs and specialist exchanges. It also includes provisions for digitalization, investment in water conservation, and the efficient use of water resources. The cooperation extends to scientific research, hydrogeology, and the training of groundwater management specialists. As part of the agreement, the fourth group of Kazakh water sector professionals is currently undergoing advanced training at Power China facilities. Since the beginning of 2025, 125 specialists from Kazakhstan have been trained in China, with another 200 expected to join the program in 2026. All training expenses are being covered by the Chinese side. This follows the first-ever memorandum of understanding on water cooperation signed between the governments of Kazakhstan and China in March 2025. That agreement emphasized the rational and sustainable use of water resources, the adoption of modern technologies, alternative water sourcing, experience-sharing, and the joint training of water management personnel. The collaboration is especially significant given the shared hydrological landscape: three of Kazakhstan’s major rivers, the Irtysh, Ili, and Emel, originate in China. In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan received 10.2 billion cubic meters of water from China via these transboundary rivers, including 4.6 billion cubic meters from the Irtysh and 5.6 billion from the Ili. Increased inflow from the Ili River enabled the Kapchagay Reservoir in the Almaty region to reach full capacity for the second consecutive year. Since the beginning of 2025, some 8.52 billion cubic meters of water have been directed downstream to Lake Balkhash, raising its water level by an average of 32 centimeters in the first half of the year. The Ili River alone contributes nearly 70% of Lake Balkhash’s total inflow, making it a critical source for maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

Economic Cooperation

Kyrgyzstan Seeks German Investment in Green Energy, Logistics, and Tourism

On August 26, the resort city of Cholpon-Ata on Lake Issyk-Kul hosted the Day of German Economy in Kyrgyzstan, alongside the 4th meeting of the Kyrgyz-German Business Council. Opening remarks were delivered by Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, and Professor Reinhold Krämmel, Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Bavaria and Thuringia and Deputy Co-Chairman of the Business Council. Calls for Green Investment and Innovation Kasymaliyev highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s interest in attracting German investment and advanced technologies to modernize its industries, create jobs, and strengthen export potential. He identified key areas for cooperation, including renewable energy, green technologies, transport and logistics infrastructure, and the financial sector. Environmental issues featured prominently in the discussions. Kasymaliyev further emphasized the threat of rapidly melting glaciers, which he said "requires the consolidation of efforts and joint initiatives." “We know Germany as one of the most active defenders of nature. Unfortunately, environmental problems are worsening each year. Glaciers in our mountains are melting and shrinking drastically. Addressing such critical issues requires joint efforts,” he said. Youth and Education as Bridges of Cooperation Kasymaliyev also underlined the importance of youth in Kyrgyzstan’s development and in strengthening bilateral ties. He noted a growing interest among young Kyrgyz citizens in the German language, culture, and vocational education, elements he described as forming the foundation for long-term partnership. While acknowledging current progress, Kasymaliyev stressed that Kyrgyz-German economic relations have significant untapped potential. New Agreements and Sectoral Priorities Following the meeting, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Kyrgyz Temir Jolu, the national railway company, and Rhenus SE & Co. KG to jointly explore logistics and transit infrastructure opportunities. Kasymaliyev also held bilateral talks with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. He underscored Germany’s growing importance as a trade partner, noting that bilateral trade had nearly quadrupled between 2020 and 2024. The Kyrgyz side presented several promising areas for German investment, including the IT sector, data center and logistics hub development, renewable energy and green hydrogen production, and mining. “Kyrgyzstan is fully committed to supporting German companies interested in launching investment projects in our country,” Kasymaliyev stated. Tourism Growth Highlighted Tourism was also spotlighted as a rising sector of bilateral engagement. Germany is now among Kyrgyzstan’s top tourism partners, with more than 23,000 German visitors recorded in 2024, and over 10,000 arriving in the first half of 2025 alone.

Space Technologies

Uzbekistan Deploys Space Technology to Combat Environmental Violations

Uzbekistan’s Prosecutor General’s Office and the national space agency, Uzbekkosmos, have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at strengthening environmental protection through the use of space-based technologies. According to Uzbekkosmos, the agreement facilitates the exchange of information and the use of satellite tools to monitor environmental conditions and investigate violations. The initiative will integrate aerospace technologies into environmental inspections, preliminary investigations, and monitoring activities, leveraging the State Space Monitoring System to provide more accurate and transparent data. The partnership outlines joint actions to detect and prevent a range of ecological infractions, including the reduction of green spaces, illegal tree felling, unauthorized use of forest lands, and illicit construction activities. The agreement also targets illegal excavation, particularly in riverbeds and protected water zones. The authorities will monitor compliance with regulations on riverbed cleaning and bank reinforcement, identifying any unauthorized digging operations. Satellite data will further be used to assess the volume of materials extracted from mines, monitor compliance with waste storage regulations, and detect illegal dumping sites. The initiative also addresses post-harvest practices, such as the burning of crop residue, which negatively affects air quality and soil health. Officials believe the partnership will enhance environmental oversight, promote public awareness, and improve the efficiency of ecological inspections. It is also expected to foster a stronger culture of environmental responsibility across the country. This initiative follows President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s 2024 ratification of Uzbekistan’s accession to the Outer Space Treaty, which governs the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. Originally signed in 1967 by the United Kingdom, Russia, and the United States, the treaty now includes 115 ratifying countries, with 22 additional signatories yet to ratify.