Kyrgyzstan and the Islamic Development Bank discussed continuing their cooperation following the bank’s involvement in the CASA-1000 project

Kyrgyzstan hopes to expand its cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank Group in the energy sector, particularly in light of the Bank’s involvement in the international CASA-1000 project. The prospects for new joint projects were discussed by the Minister of Energy, Altynbek Rysbekov, and the Head of the IDB Group’s regional hub, Hammad Khundal.

During the meeting, particular mention was made of the Islamic Development Bank’s involvement in the CASA-1000 project, which is intended to link the power grids of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with the markets of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In addition to CASA-1000, the IDB is involved in financing Kyrgyzstan’s energy infrastructure, including the construction of the 220 kV ‘Tamga–Karakol’ power line.

The parties are now exploring the possibility of expanding their cooperation. Potential areas include the construction of hydroelectric power stations, new substations and power lines, the modernisation of existing energy facilities, and the introduction of digital technologies in the sector.

Rysbekov stated that Kyrgyzstan is keen to move on from projects already underway to new major investments in generation and grid infrastructure.

“Today, the energy sector faces the challenges of building new generation capacity, developing grid infrastructure, modernising existing facilities and introducing modern digital technologies,” the minister noted.

Hammad Khundal, for his part, confirmed the IBR Group’s interest in continuing to work with Kyrgyzstan and participating in new energy projects.