The President noted that many of the oldest plants, such as the Toktogul HPP, built in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, had not undergone repairs for decades and had operated for more than 50 years without interruption.
“When we came to power, the condition of these facilities was critical. Over four years, a large-scale modernization was carried out: four units at the Toktogul HPP were updated, which allowed for an increase in capacity by 240 MW. Without these steps, our country would have faced serious electricity shortages,” Japarov explained.
He also added that plans are in place to construct about one hundred new hydropower plants, modernize existing stations, and integrate solar and wind energy sources, which will create a reliable basis for the country's energy independence.
“Construction is underway for a thermal power plant with a capacity of 1,200 MW in Kara-Keche, as well as the Kambar-Ata-1 project. The construction of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 with a capacity of 1,860 MW will become the largest energy project in the history of Kyrgyzstan. With the launch of this station, our country will not only be able to fully meet its internal needs but also become an exporter of electricity, supporting the energy stability of neighboring countries. This project symbolizes the power of the nation, economic independence, and the strategic future of Kyrgyzstan,” the president added.
Information about the Toktogul HPP
According to the State Enterprise "Electric Stations," the construction of the Toktogul HPP began in 1962, and it was commissioned in 1975. The station has four hydro units, each with its own serial number. According to the Ministry of Energy, the replacement of units is being carried out from 2022 to 2025:
- Hydro unit No. 4, which was first in line for replacement, was commissioned at the end of December 2022 (the official message from the Ministry of Energy is dated December 20, 2022).
- The new hydro unit No. 2, second in line for replacement, was fully installed and underwent commissioning work in early December 2023 (the message from "Electric Stations" was published on December 12, 2023).
- Hydro unit No. 1, which became third in line for replacement, was launched at the end of November 2024 (the official message from the Ministry of Energy about the launch was received on November 19, 2024).
- The new hydro unit No. 3, the last in line for replacement, will be replaced by mid-November 2025 (the official message from the Ministry of Energy is expected on November 12, 2025).
Information about the Kambar-Ata HPP-1
The dam of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 will be located in the Toktogul district, approximately 9 km upstream from the Kambar-Ata HPP-2 and 75 km from the dam of the Toktogul HPP on the Naryn River. According to the latest data, the project cost is $3.5 billion, as confirmed by Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev in January 2025 at a meeting of the parliamentary committee on international affairs.
According to the project's technical specifications, the main construction is planned to begin in 2027, with full commissioning expected by 2035.
In recent years, preparatory work has been carried out at the construction site of the HPP, including the construction of a road, bridge, substation, workers' town, tunnel, and power lines funded by the budget. The installed capacity of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 will be 1,880 MW, and the average annual electricity generation will be approximately 6 billion kWh, which will ensure an increase in production of more than one-third from the current level. The height of the dam will be 260.8 meters, and the total volume of the reservoir will be 5.4 billion cubic meters.
