Kyrgyzstan’s Orto-Tokoy hydropower plant reaches 50% completion milestone

The construction of Kyrgyzstan’s Orto-Tokoy Hydropower Plant (HPP) has reached the halfway mark, with 50% of the work completed, the Ministry of Energy announced on Sunday.

The 21-megawatt renewable energy project, launched in June 2024, is progressing on schedule and is slated for completion by mid-2026.

Developed jointly by Chakan HPP and China National Machinery Industry Corporation, the project aims to boost the country’s energy independence and supply reliable electricity to over 14,000 consumers in the nearby city of Balykchy.

Key construction milestones completed so far include:

• Completion of 727 meters of the 928-meter diversion tunnel
• Installation of retaining walls using 868 cubic meters of concrete for the tailrace canal
• Mounting of three draft tube cones—one for each generating unit
• Construction of both temporary and permanent access roads, and a 92-meter concrete road to the intake point
   

Establishment of construction camps and storage facilities

Ongoing work involves control room reinforcement, switchgear unit formwork, and the installation of steel tunnel supports. Preparations are also underway for building a 110/10 kV substation, with necessary permits being finalized.

Additionally, authorities are coordinating with Balykchy’s city administration on land allocation for a 110 kV transmission line that will connect the plant to the grid.

The project was initiated by a Cabinet of Ministers resolution on July 30, 2021, and the full-cycle contract between Chakan HPP and the Chinese contractor was signed in March 2023, covering feasibility, design, and construction phases.

Once operational, the Orto-Tokoy HPP is expected to play a vital role in Kyrgyzstan’s push for greater renewable energy use, supporting regional electrification and contributing to the country’s long-term energy sustainability goals.

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