Published
05/28/2025, 10:33The second ministerial round table on the Kambarata HPP-1 project was held in Dubai. The project is a key regional initiative aimed at strengthening energy security and rational use of water resources in Central Asia.
The event was organised with the assistance of the World Bank.
The round table was attended by delegations from three countries led by Energy Ministers Erlan Akkenzhenov (Kazakhstan), Taalaibek Ibraev (Kyrgyzstan) and Dzhurabek Mirzamahmudov (Uzbekistan).
The delegations also included high-ranking representatives of the ministries of finance and water resources of these countries. The main topic of discussion was further steps to implement the Kambarata HPP-1 project with a capacity of 1,860 megawatts on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan. The project is being implemented jointly by the governments of the three countries.
The governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have requested technical assistance from the World Bank in preparing the project, including updating the feasibility study, preparing an environmental and social impact assessment, and developing a sustainable financing model and commercial structure for the project.
The roundtable was also attended by high-ranking representatives of the World Bank, including Director for Central Asia Tatiana Proskuryakova, Director for Strategy and Operations in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Carolina Sanchez-Paramo, Regional Director for Infrastructure in the ECA region Charles Joseph Cormier, and Energy Programme Manager in the ECA region Stephanie Gill.
World Bank Director for Central Asia Tatiana Proskuryakova emphasised that the World Bank welcomes the unprecedented level of cooperation among Central Asian countries on ensuring energy and water security in the region.
«In partnership with other international organisations, we are pleased to support the efforts of the governments of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan to implement the Kambarata HPP-1 project, which will bring significant economic and social benefits to the entire region and its inhabitants», — she said.
The ministers reaffirmed their countries' political commitment to the project, which is seen as a catalyst for strengthening regional energy security and cooperation in Central Asia.
The parties discussed the progress made since the first ministerial round table held in Tashkent in January 2025.
Particular attention was paid to the feasibility study and the environmental and social aspects of the project. The participants also reviewed the updated cost estimates for the project, the need for modernisation of power grids, sources of financing, including support from international financial institutions and organisations, as well as key principles for cooperation in the water and energy sector.
«The advancement of the Kambarata HPP-1 project is the result of close and productive cooperation between our three countries. Kazakhstan is firmly committed to this initiative and will continue to actively cooperate with its partners to achieve common goals in the field of energy development in the region», — said Kazakh Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov.
Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev emphasised that the Kambarata HPP-1 is the foundation of the Kyrgyz Republic's national energy development strategy and a key project for the future of Central Asia.
«We are proud to be implementing it in close partnership with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, based on a shared vision of sustainable water use and regional energy security. Through joint efforts, we are moving confidently towards the start of the project in 2025», — he said.
Uzbekistan's Minister of Energy Dzhurabek Mirzamahmudov said that,
together with regional partners, he noted the significant progress achieved since the first ministerial round table in Tashkent.
«I am confident that thanks to the coordinated actions of our countries and the support of international financial institutions, we will be able to implement this project in full compliance with international technical, environmental and social standards», — he said.
At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed on further measures and deadlines necessary for the preparation of the project, and also confirmed their intention to continue regional cooperation and hold regular ministerial meetings to accelerate progress in the implementation of the project.
