Kyrgyzstan Advances Hydropower Projects in Naryn Region
In late February 2026, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Energy, Taalaibek Ibraev, inspected hydropower construction sites in the Naryn region. The visit focused on two key developments – the new Kulanak Hydropower Plant and the stalled Upper-Naryn Cascade of HPPs. The inspection followed a directive from President Sadyr Japarov to accelerate investment in the country’s energy sector and expedite the commissioning of new generation facilities.
The primary focus of the two-day inspection was the Kulanak HPP site, which has a planned capacity of 100 MW. Chief Engineer Asylbek Sariev reported on the current phase of construction and installation work. With the plant’s hydro-units scheduled for commercial launch in 2027, the minister instructed contractors to adhere strictly to the approved timelines without compromising quality.
Construction at the Kulanak site includes the formation of a rock-and-earth fill dam, concrete spillways, and an intake canal with monolithic walls. Workers are currently assembling steel penstocks and installing equipment for the turbine block. Concurrently, work is underway on the tailrace, bank protection, and the concreting of the lower section of the future powerhouse building.
The inspection also addressed the infrastructure of the Upper-Naryn Cascade of HPPs, a project previously suspended due to financial and organizational difficulties. At the site, Minister Ibraev held a meeting with the heads of relevant companies to discuss scenarios for restarting the project. Topics included identifying new sources of capital and establishing a framework for its future development.
