Kyrgyzstan is strengthening its energy security: hydroelectric power station modernisation and the ‘project of the century’ enter a new phase

In Kyrgyzstan, hydroelectric power stations are being actively modernised and key infrastructure for new facilities is being built in 2026. Work is underway at the Uch-Kurgan and Kurpsai hydroelectric power stations, as well as at the strategic Kambarat-1 hydroelectric power station.

As part of efforts to ensure a stable energy supply and strengthen the country’s energy security, OJSC ‘Electric Power Plants’ is implementing several major projects simultaneously. The main focus is on modernising existing capacity and constructing new infrastructure, which should significantly improve the reliability of Kyrgyzstan’s power system.

One of the key priorities remains the modernisation of the Uch-Kurgan HPP. Work is continuing here on the refurbishment of two hydro-units with the involvement of an international contractor. On one unit, key components are already being dismantled and the rotor is being assembled; on the other, preparations are underway for the dismantling of the turbine and the removal of equipment. In parallel, the 10/0.4 kV switchgear is being modernised and work is underway on the hydraulic structures (at the 542 m elevation). The project is scheduled to be completed and the units commissioned by the end of 2026.

An equally important project is underway at the Kurpsay HPP, where the reconstruction of the 220/110 kV substation is planned. New autotransformers (125,000 kVA) have already been delivered, with a capacity almost double that of the existing ones. Construction and installation work will begin once the design phase is complete. The fully refurbished substation is scheduled to be commissioned in August 2026, which will improve the stability and transmission capacity of the power grid.

Particular attention is being paid to the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 — one of the region’s largest energy projects, dubbed the ‘project of the century’. Large-scale preparatory work is currently underway: roads and power lines are being built, infrastructure is being developed, and a strategically important bridge across the Naryn River is being constructed.

This bridge will be a key logistics link: it is designed to carry loads of up to 400 tonnes and will ensure uninterrupted access to the construction site. The construction of the piers has already been completed, and the installation of steel structures is proceeding at a rapid pace. The facility is scheduled for full completion in July 2026, after which the main phase of construction of the hydroelectric power station, with a capacity of approximately 1,860 MW, will begin.

In parallel, development of the Kambarata HPP-2 continues. Preparations are underway here for the commissioning of the second generating unit: residential camps, administrative buildings and laboratories are being built, and design documentation is being drawn up. Once the project is completed, the plant’s capacity will double to 240 MW. The commissioning of the second unit is scheduled for early 2029.