Japan was invited to the construction of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1
Kyrgyzstan and Japan are discussing the expansion of cooperation in the energy sector. During the meeting of the Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalaibek Ibraev with the Senior Vice-President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Kawamura Kanichi, held on September 16, 2025 in Tokyo, the parties outlined key areas of joint work, focusing on the development of hydropower.
The central topic of the negotiations was the modernization of existing and construction of new hydroelectric power plants. In particular, the reconstruction of the Kurpsai HPP with a capacity of 800 MW was discussed. At the first stage of the project, with the financial support of JICA, work is already underway to replace the automation-telemechanics and relay protection system. Grant funds in the amount of 3 billion yen – about 20 million US dollars – have been allocated for this purpose. In the future, the parties plan to continue cooperation for a deeper reconstruction of the station, which will increase its installed capacity by 20%.
Along with the modernization of existing facilities, the Kyrgyz side presented flagship projects of the future to Japanese partners. The Minister of Energy officially invited JICA to take part in the construction of the Kambar–Ata HPP–1, the largest hydropower project in the region. This step, along with the completion of a large-scale reconstruction of the Toktogul HPP, is considered as a basis for ensuring energy security and increasing the country’s export potential.
Highly qualified personnel are needed for the successful operation of the updated and future stations. Progress has also been made in this direction. The parties discussed the project of construction of the Training Center of JSC “NES of Kyrgyzstan”, which will be financed by a JICA grant in the amount of 1.5 billion yen, which is equivalent to 10.3 million dollars. It is expected that the center will become a key platform for training specialists and introducing advanced standards in the energy sector. The project is at the final stage of approval and can be signed as part of the upcoming visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan to Japan.
Original (in Russian): Японию пригласили к строительству Камбар-Атинской ГЭС-1
