New “water in exchange for light” scheme for three Central Asian countries

Representatives of the energy and water management departments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan held a trilateral meeting in Cholpon-Ata, following which a number of protocols were signed to regulate the water and energy balance in Central Asia. The delegation of Kazakhstan at the talks was headed by Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, the press service of the department reports.

The key agreement defines the mechanism of resource exchange: Kyrgyzstan will provide water releases from the Toktogul reservoir, and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will supply electricity in return. These measures are designed to maintain the necessary water level in the reservoir for its stable operation and at the same time guarantee the supply of irrigation water to the southern regions of Kazakhstan in the upcoming growing season. The parties also agreed on the conditions for the transit of electricity from the Russian Federation to Kyrgyzstan through Kazakhstan’s energy systems.

Bilateral talks were also held during the visit. In particular, a protocol was signed with the Uzbek side on the supply of about 900 million kWh of electricity to Kazakhstan. Deliveries are scheduled for the period from March to December 2026 and are intended to cover the projected deficit in the southern energy zone of Kazakhstan during repairs at power stations.

Commenting on the results of the meeting, the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov called the signed protocols “working documents with specific figures, deadlines and prices.” He noted that “work in the water and energy sector requires maximum accuracy and strict adherence to schedules.” According to him, Kazakhstan fulfills its obligations and counts on a similar approach from partners, which is the basis for the stability of energy systems and water supply throughout the region.

It is expected that the agreements reached will reduce the risks in the energy systems of the countries in the upcoming autumn-winter period. In addition, they create predictable conditions for the accumulation of water in the Toktogul reservoir by the next growing season, which is of key importance for the agricultural sector in the south of Kazakhstan.

Original (in Russian): Новая схема «вода в обмен на свет» для трех стран Центральной Азии