Kazakhstan is set to participate
in the construction of the Kambarata hydropower plant in Kyrgyzstan. The
corresponding agreement was reached during the official visit of Kazakh
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Bishkek in May of last year. Notably, the
Head of State highlighted that the launch of the hydropower plant will
strengthen the energy security of Central Asian countries. Presently,
Kazakhstan attaches special importance to the implementation of joint
hydropower projects for the mutually beneficial use of transboundary river
resources. According to the country’s Energy Ministry, the governments of
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan will conclude an agreement on the
facility construction. To implement the project, the parties will establish a
separate joint-stock company with equity participation. The document is
expected to be signed in Bishkek.
“The primary sources of project
financing are the personal funds of the company founders. They are also
eligible to invite commercial banks along with international financial
institutions. As part of the construction project of the Kambarata HPP-1 with a
capacity of 1,860 megawatts, the construction of a 256-meter-high dam is
planned,” said Berden Ospan, spokesperson for the Kazakh Ministry of Energy.
It is worth noting that the
construction of the Kambarata HPP-1, which will be located on the Naryn River,
is expected to take 10 years. The first hydropower unit is planned to be
commissioned within four years. The project also envisages the construction of
a water reservoir. The plant will annually generate over 5.5 billion
kilowatt-hours of electricity.
