The construction of the Kambal-Ata-1 hydropower plant and large-scale modernization of existing hydroelectric facilities were central topics at a Kyrgyz government meeting reviewing the country's socio-economic performance in 2025, Akchabar.kg reports.
Chaired by President Sadyr Japarov, the meeting summarized national development outcomes and outlined strategic priorities for the coming years, with energy security emerging as a key focus area.
The cornerstone strategic initiative is the construction of the Kambal-Ata-1 HPP, with a planned capacity of 1,860 megawatts. Once operational, it will become the largest energy facility in Kyrgyzstan's history. The project is expected to fully meet domestic electricity demand and enable exports, strengthening energy resilience across the wider region.
Alongside new construction, authorities are prioritizing upgrades to existing infrastructure. Most of Kyrgyzstan's hydroelectric stations were built between the 1950s and 1970s and operated for decades without comprehensive refurbishment.
Over the past four years, major reconstruction efforts have been undertaken, notably at the Toktogul HPP. There, all four generating units were fully replaced, boosting the plant's capacity by 240 MW and extending its operational life by 50–60 years.
Additionally, 28 small hydropower plants have been constructed and commissioned nationwide. According to government estimates, without these systemic interventions, Kyrgyzstan would have faced electricity shortages capable of significantly constraining economic growth.
Kyrgyz authorities maintain that combining new mega-projects with the modernization of existing assets lays the foundation for long-term energy independence and positions the country to become a net exporter of electricity.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 27, 2026