Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan agree on advancing Qambarata HPP-1 project

On May 26–27, the second ministerial roundtable on the Qambarata HPP-1 project was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting was attended by the energy ministers of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of the World Bank. Participants included Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenjenov, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Energy Taalaybek Ibrayev, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamahmudov. The discussions covered the updated feasibility study, environmental and social impact assessments, cost estimates, models for energy network modernization, and sustainable financing mechanisms.

It was noted that the governments of all three countries have formally requested technical assistance from the World Bank in developing the project. In response, World Bank representatives commended the high level of regional cooperation and expressed readiness to provide support.

“At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to implement the next stages of the project and to continue holding regular consultations at the ministerial level,” the statement reads.

For reference, Qambarata HPP-1 is a major hydroelectric power plant project with a planned capacity of 1,860 megawatts. It is to be constructed on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan and is regarded as a vital regional initiative to enhance energy security and promote the rational use of water resources across Central Asia.

It should be recalled that in June of last year, during the International Energy Investment Forum in Vienna, a Donor Coordination Committee was established for the construction of Qambarata HPP-1. The committee includes several international financial institutions such as the World Bank, OPEC Fund, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, among others.