Kyrgyzstan Advances Hydropower Projects with World Bank Funding

The Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic is implementing measures to address electricity shortages and develop the country’s hydropower potential. Under the World Bank–financed KRED project, plans include the construction of the Nizhny-Tar Hydropower Plant (HPP) and the reconstruction of the Bystrovskaya HPP.

In December 2025, the ministry signed a contract with the Chinese firm QingYuan Engineering Consultants Ltd. to develop feasibility studies for both facilities. In January 2026, specialists from the Open Joint–Stock Company Chakan HPP, along with the contracted consultants, conducted a site visit to the Nizhny-Tar and Bystrovskaya HPP construction areas.

During the inspection, the consultants performed a detailed examination of the territories, studying the natural, engineering-geological, and hydrological conditions. The assessment also covered the local terrain and the current state of the construction sites. Data from the visit will be used to evaluate the conditions for project implementation and to prepare the final feasibility studies.

The KRED project is financed by the World Bank, which provided the Kyrgyz Republic with a US$43.2 million interest-free credit. The loan has a 50–year maturity, including a 10–year grace period.