Kyrgyz PM, World Bank managing director discuss Kambarata HPP-1 project

BISHKEK. April 22 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev and the World Bank's Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde have discussed the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP), the Kyrgyz government's press service said.

"During his working visit to Washington, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliyev held constructive talks with the World Bank's Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund," the press service said in a statement on Tuesday.

Kasymaliyev thanked the World Bank for the years-long productive partnership and for its considerable contribution to Kyrgyzstan's socioeconomic development, adding that joint efforts help achieve tangible results.

A central issue on the meeting's agenda was the progress made in implementing the strategic project to build Kambarata HPP-1, which is a key priority for Kyrgyzstan and is crucial to maintaining the energy security of both Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia as a whole.

The government continues to finance all necessary preparations from its own funds, Kasymaliyev said, adding that efforts to update the feasibility study and provide an environmental impact assessment are going according to schedule and will be completed in May.

Kasymaliyev also said he counts on the World Bank's support when its Board of Directors will review the project's financing at its meeting in the second half of 2025.

Bjerde, for her part, reaffirmed the World Bank's readiness to support the construction of Kambarata HPP-1.

The energy ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement in June 2024 on preparations to build Kambarata HPP-1. The main sources of financing for the project are the founders' own funds, as well as loans and grants from international financial institutions and commercial banks.

Kambarata HHP-1 will have a capacity of 1,860 MW, generating 5 billion kWh of electricity annually. The dam is expected to reach 256 meters in height, holding over 5 billion cubic meters of water. Kyrgyzstan plans to launch the first unit in eight years.