Bishkek (TDI): The energy sector of Kyrgyzstan has entered what officials are calling a “real era of renewal,” marked by large-scale reforms and an expansion of hydropower generation.
The statement was made by Daiyrbek Orunbekov, Head of the Information Service of the Presidential Administration, who highlighted both the challenges and the recent advancements in the hydropower sector.
According to Orunbekov, Kyrgyzstan’s energy infrastructure has historically depended on hydropower plants (HPPs) built during the Soviet period, many of which have now been operational for sixty to seventy years.
After the country gained independence, the sector experienced limited new development until 2021, with only one new facility — the Kambar-Ata HPP-2 — commissioned during that period. This stagnation resulted in increased debt burdens and equipment deterioration.
However, under the administration of President Sadyr Zhaparov, Kyrgyzstan has initiated significant reforms aimed at achieving energy independence.
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Since 2021, the Government has prioritized modernizing the sector and advancing the construction of both large-scale and small-to-medium hydropower projects.
In 2024 alone, dozens of new small and medium-sized HPPs were brought online, including Bala-Saruu, Kainama, Kok-Art, and Ysyk-Ata.
Additionally, construction continues on the Kambar-Ata HPP-1, a major project with a planned capacity of 1,860 megawatts.
Once operational, this facility is expected to substantially strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s energy capabilities and position the country as a significant regional energy supplier.
The focus on small hydropower stations has also intensified, supported by investor-friendly policies. A list of new plants scheduled for commissioning in 2025 includes:
- Leilek HPP – 6 MW (Batken region)
- Kozho-Kayir HPP – 0.6 MW (Batken region)
- Koysu HPP – 8.7 MW (Issyk-Kul region)
- Sanarip HPP – 2 MW (Chui region)
- Alai HPP – 4.4 MW (Osh region)
- Boz-Uchuk HPP – 5.54 MW (Issyk-Kul region)
- Avletim HPP – 2.6 MW (Jalal-Abad region)
- Adyn-Unkur HPP – 0.85 MW (Osh region)
- Kara-Zhygach HPP – 1 MW (Jalal-Abad region)
- Aksy HPP – 4.75 MW (Jalal-Abad region)
- Ysyk-Ata-2 HPP – 4 MW (Chui region)
- Shamshy HPP – 1.7 MW (Chui region)
- Konduk HPP – 5.3 MW (Osh region)
- Ken-Tor-1 HPP – 1.3 MW (Chui region)
- Karagai-Bulak-1 and 2 HPPs – 2 MW each (Chui region)
- Sokuluk HPP-3 – 9.5 MW (Chui region)
- Tuyuk HPP – 5.9 MW (Chui region)
Beyond 2025, Kyrgyzstan has outlined a long-term energy plan that includes the development of larger-scale projects, such as Zhergez, Turgent, Maily-Suu, Orto-Tokoy, Zherui, Chon-Kemin, and Papan HPPs, projected to add hundreds of megawatts to the national grid between 2026 and 2030.
According to Orunbekov, these efforts are expected to ensure not only national energy security but also enhance Kyrgyzstan’s role in the Central Asian energy market.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
