On June 18–19, 2025, a roundtable was held in Bishkek to discuss the progress of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Project. The event brought together representatives of government agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic, delegations from the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of the World Bank, and international panels of experts.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Nurlan Sadykov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized:
“Today’s meeting is of particular importance, as we are reviewing the draft final documentation. The Kyrgyz Republic, in close cooperation with its partners from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the World Bank, and international experts, has undertaken extensive preparatory work to ensure that the Kambarata-1 project meets the highest international standards and requirements.”
During the roundtable, AFRY, a Swiss engineering firm, presented the draft Feasibility Study (FS). The presentation covered key engineering solutions, seismic analysis results, hydrological assessments, and design concepts – all developed in line with advanced international engineering practices. The FS serves as a foundation for further project planning and decision-making, ensuring the reliability, safety, and sustainability of the future hydropower facility.
SMEC, an international environmental and social consulting firm, presented the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) package. Particular focus was placed on the proposed measures to minimize and mitigate potential environmental and social impacts. The discussion included mechanisms for protecting vulnerable ecosystems, biodiversity risk prevention strategies, and approaches to addressing issues related to community grazing land use. The materials presented reflect the project’s strong commitment to sustainable development and adherence to international standards.
The Bishkek roundtable marked a key milestone in advancing the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Project.
The World Bank continues to provide comprehensive support for the preparation of this large-scale initiative, including the update of the Feasibility Study, the preparation of environmental and social assessments, and the development of a sustainable project structure.
Throughout the project, ongoing efforts are being made to inform and engage with local communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure transparency, open dialogue, and the strengthening of public trust in the implementation process.
The Kambarata-1 Hydropower Project is a flagship regional initiative aimed at enhancing energy security and promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water resources in Central Asia.
Energy Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan Convened for the Second Ministerial Roundtable for Kambarata-1 HPP
On May 26-27, 2025, energy ministers from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan gathered in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, for the Second Ministerial Roundtable on the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) Project, a key regional initiative aimed at enhancing energy security and improving the use of water resources in Central Asia. The event was held with support from the World Bank.
The meeting brought together Yerlan Akkenjenov, Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan; Taalaibek Ibraev, Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic; and Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, along with senior officials from the respective ministries of finance and ministries of water resources. The meeting participants discussed the next steps in advancing the 1,860-megawatt Kambarata-1 HPP on the Naryn River in the Kyrgyz Republic, which is jointly implemented by the governments of the three countries.
At the request of the three governments, the World Bank has been supporting their efforts to advance the Kambarata-1 HPP Project by providing technical assistance for activities such as updating the project’s feasibility study, preparing environmental and social assessments, and helping to develop a sustainable financing plan and commercial framework.
The Roundtable was also attended by senior World Bank officials, including Tatiana Proskuryakova, Director for Central Asia; Carolina Sanchez-Paramo, Director of Strategy and Operations in Europe and Central Asia (ECA); Charles Joseph Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure in the ECA region; and Stephanie Gil, Energy Practice Manager in the ECA region.
Tatiana Proskuryakova, the World Bank’s Director for Central Asia, said: “The World Bank welcomes the new and unprecedented level of cooperation among Central Asian countries to strengthen regional energy and water security. Together with other international development partners, we are pleased to support the efforts of the governments of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan in developing the Kambarata-1 HPP, which will bring lasting benefits to the region’s economies and its people.”
The energy ministers reaffirmed their governments’ strong political support for the project, which is viewed in their countries as a catalyst for advancing regional energy security and cooperation in Central Asia.
The parties discussed the progress made on preparing the Kambarata-1 HPP since the First Ministerial Roundtable, held in Tashkent in January 2025, as well as key elements of project preparation, including the updated feasibility study and documents assessing the project’s environmental and social impacts. The discussions also covered the project’s updated cost estimates, grid reinforcement needs, financing requirements, and potential funding sources, including support from international development partners. The parties also addressed the water and energy aspects of the project, sharing perspectives on key principles for collaboration in these areas.
Yerlan Akkenjenov, the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, noted: “The progress made on the Kambarata-1 HPP project is the result of close and productive cooperation among our three countries. Kazakhstan remains firmly committed to this initiative and will continue active collaboration with partners to achieve our shared goals in the region’s energy development.”
Taalaibek Ibraev, the Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized: “The Kambarata-1 HPP is the cornerstone of the national energy development strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic and a vital project for the future of Central Asia. We are proud to implement it in close partnership with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, guided by a shared vision of sustainable water use and regional energy security. Through joint efforts, we are confidently moving toward the start of project implementation in 2025.”
Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, said: “Together with our regional partners, we note with satisfaction the significant progress made since the first Ministerial Roundtable in Tashkent. I am confident that through the coordinated efforts of our countries and the support of international financial institutions, we will be able to implement this project in full compliance with international technical, environmental, and social standards.”
The trilateral meeting concluded with agreements on key actions and timelines required to advance the project preparation, alongside a shared commitment to continued regional collaboration and regular ministerial dialogue to accelerate progress.
28.05.2025
Source: https://kambarata1.org/tpost/g8czlximd1-energy-ministers-of-kazakhstan-kyrgyz-re
Progress Workshop for Kambarata-1 HPP Project Held in Bishkek
A progress review workshop for the Kambarata-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) project was held in Bishkek on February 19, 2025.
Welcoming the participants, Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalaibek Ibraev said: “This workshop brings together representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic, delegations from the Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Uzbekistan, the World Bank, panel of experts, management of AFRY, and international experts. The purpose of the event is to review the current status and draft deliverables of Kambarata-1 HPP project, particularly the feasibility study and environmental and social assessments.”
During the workshop, the Swiss engineering consulting firm AFRY, selected throughout a competitive process in early 2024 to update the Feasibility Study, provided an overview of the current progress. They presented the draft Interim Feasibility Report, seismic assessment and hydrology research with key technical elements and design measures essential for ensuring the project’s efficiency, sustainability and safety.
SMEC, the international company leading the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), presented the initial draft of studies conducted as part of the environmental and social due diligence. The presentation covered the potential scope of project impact, including on livelihoods, planned tasks in terms of environmental spring surveys and outlined the key next steps to finalize the work.
Looking ahead, the next steps in the preparation of the Kambarata-1 HPP include finalizing the Feasibility Study. A second round of stakeholder consultations at both local and national levels will be held in the Kyrgyz Republic. Stakeholder consultations will also take place in riparian countries, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. A more advanced version of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be developed to address the key concerns raised during the review process.
This workshop represents a significant milestone in the continued efforts to ensure the successful development of the Kambarata-1 HPP in an environmentally, socially, technically, and financially sustainable manner. The World Bank is financing the comprehensive preparation of this project, including the Feasibility Study update and the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
The Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) is a transformative, green, clean energy project with substantial domestic and regional benefits. The project will help increase energy security and strengthen regional cooperation.
22.02.2025
Source: https://kambarata1.org/tpost/mb5ec69uv1-progress-workshop-for-kambarata-1-hpp-pr
20.06.2025
Source : https://kambarata1.org/tpost/1ffxktf151-kambarata-1-hpp-project-feasibility-stud
News
- 02.04.2026
An important step has been taken in Bishkek on the Kambarata HPP-1 project
- 17.11.2025
Presentations on the draft ESIA for Kambarata-1 HPP Project Released
- 05.11.2025
- 28.10.2025
International-level public consultations on the draft ESIA for the Kambarata-1 HPP
- 17.10.2025
- 15.10.2025
- 02.10.2025
- 30.09.2025
Non-Technical Summary of draft ESIA Published
News
An important step has been taken in Bishkek on the Kambarata HPP-1 project
From March 31 to April 2, 2026, the first round of negotiations on the draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for the implementation of Kambarata HPP-1, a project of strategic importance for Central Asia, was held in Bishkek. This major energy project envisages the construction of a 1,880 MW hydropower plant on the Naryn River in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic and will be implemented through close cooperation among the three countries — Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
The high-level delegations were led by Altynbek Rysbekov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic; Sungat Yessimkhanov, Vice Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Umid Mamadaminov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies of the three countries also took part in the negotiations, reflecting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the implementation of the project.
Representatives of the World Bank participated in the negotiations as observers, reaffirming its important role as a key strategic partner and one of the project’s main potential international financial creditors.
02.04.2026
Source: https://kambarata1.org/tpost/83ji3fmjd1-an-important-step-has-been-taken-in-bish