BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 25. The World Bank (WB) is ready to provide comprehensive support for the construction of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant (HPP) project in Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.
According to the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Beatrice Maser, Executive Director at the World Bank Group, made this statement during a meeting with Adylbek Kasymaliev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF in Washington, DC.
Maser confirmed the WB's commitment to supporting projects aimed at the economic development of Kyrgyzstan, including the Kambarata HPP-1.
She emphasized the significance of this project not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for the entire Central Asian region, highlighting its potential to enhance regional energy security and sustainable development.
During the discussion, Kasymaliev underscored the importance of the Kambarata HPP-1 project as a driver of energy security and regional cooperation in Central Asia.
“The implementation of this project will not only provide Kyrgyzstan with clean and affordable energy but will also create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the country's investment attractiveness,” he said.
At the end of the meeting, Kasymaliev invited Maser to visit Kyrgyzstan, describing it as an important step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation with the World Bank.
Construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 is set to begin in 2025, with the first hydro unit expected to be commissioned in 2028. The preliminary cost of the project ranges from $4.5 billion to $5 billion, with a capacity of 1,860 MW. The Kambarata HPP-1 is anticipated to produce 5.6 billion kWh of electricity annually.
On July 11, 2024, the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved an extra $13.6 million to support the ongoing technical assistance for the Kambarata HPP-1 construction project, which originally had a budget of $5 million.