Construction of Kambarata HPP-1 resumes

In Kyrgyzstan, construction of the Kambarata Hydroelectric Power Plant-1 (HPP-1) on the Naryn River has resumed with the participation of European investors, Asia-Plus reported.

The Kambarata HPP-1 project envisions the construction of a reservoir with a capacity of 5.4 billion cubic meters and a hydroelectric power plant with an installed capacity of 1,860 MW, capable of generating an average of 5.6 billion kWh of electricity annually.

In April 2024, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan agreed to jointly implement the project. According to experts, the total construction cost will exceed 4 billion dollars. The project will be financed by the participating countries, as well as through loans, grants, and support from international financial institutions.

The projects for Kambarata HPP-1 and HPP-2 were approved in the USSR in 1988. However, construction of the first power plant was suspended in 1994 due to a lack of funds, after about 25 percent of the work had been completed.

In 2008, work on HPP-2 resumed with Russian participation, and in 2010, the first plant was commissioned. However, further cooperation was halted due to allegations of misused funds.

Later, it was planned to complete both stations with the assistance of the Russian company RusHydro, but the agreement was canceled at the initiative of the Kyrgyz government.

For reference, Kambarata HPP-1, to be built on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan, is considered a major regional initiative aimed at strengthening energy security and promoting the rational use of water resources in Central Asia. The European Union has pledged 1 billion dollars to support the construction of Kambarata HPP-1.