Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are advancing one of Central Asia’s largest joint energy projects: the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower plant on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan, with a planned capacity of nearly 2,000 megawatts.
The station, officially estimated at 1,880 MW, is expected to generate around 6,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually - enough to supply up to 1.5 million households across the region. The project aims to strengthen regional energy security, reduce seasonal electricity shortages and improve water management among the three neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov described Kambarata HPP-1 as a project of strategic importance, noting that negotiations are actively under way to finalise the intergovernmental agreement with support from the World Bank and other international financial institutions.
The total construction cost of the hydropower plant is estimated at $4.2 billion, while the broader financing portfolio involving international financial institutions is expected to reach $5.6 billion.
Under the agreed financing model starting from 2026, Kyrgyzstan will cover 34% of the project costs, while Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will each contribute 33%. Electricity generated by the station will be distributed proportionally according to each country’s financial participation.
The three states also plan to establish a separate joint-stock company in Kyrgyzstan to oversee the construction and future operation of the plant. The ownership structure will follow the same formula: 34% for Kyrgyzstan and 33% each for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
The World Bank describes Kambarata HPP-1 as a transformational regional clean energy project that will help meet rising electricity demand across Central Asia, where winter energy shortages remain a serious challenge.
The project will also improve water security by supporting better seasonal water use, reducing flood risks and protecting the existing hydropower cascade on the Naryn River. In addition, experts estimate that construction and operation could create up to 7,000 jobs, while helping to accelerate the development of solar and wind energy by providing balancing services for renewable power generation.
Officials say the project reflects a broader shift towards stronger regional cooperation in energy and infrastructure, with Kambarata HPP-1 expected to become a key pillar of long-term sustainable development and electricity trade in Central Asia.
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