Tashkent (TDI): Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are deepening their energy partnership as work on the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP), one of Central Asia’s largest infrastructure projects, continues to advance.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev in Tashkent to discuss regional energy cooperation, according to Kyrgyz news agency 24.kg, citing the Kyrgyz Ministry of Energy.
The meeting focused on enhancing strategic ties, particularly in the hydropower sector. Both sides highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to joint regional energy initiatives.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of collaborative water and energy projects, naming Kambarata-1 as a top priority for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. “Next year, we will begin financing the construction of Kambarata-1 together with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for the effective use and joint management of the region’s hydropower potential,” he said, according to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Energy.
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Mirziyoyev also expressed appreciation to Ibrayev and representatives from major energy companies in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Azerbaijan for supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to attract investment and adopt advanced energy technologies.
The Kambarata-1 project is a trilateral initiative involving Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Estimated to cost $4.2 billion, the project has already secured $5.6 billion in financing commitments from international financial institutions, according to Uzbek Energy Minister Jorabek Mirzamahmudov.
Mirzamahmudov noted that the most recent trilateral ministerial meeting was held in Brussels in late September under the coordination of the World Bank, bringing together representatives from 10 major financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, OPEC Fund, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Asian Development Bank.
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Once completed, Kambarata-1 is expected to have an installed capacity of 1,860 MW, a reservoir volume of 4.5 billion cubic meters, and a dam height of 256 meters. The facility will feature four turbines capable of generating over 5.5 billion kWh annually. Under the current ownership plan, Kyrgyzstan will hold 34%, while Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will each hold 33% of the project.
