The Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic introduced the key work plan for 2026 at the meeting of the Industrial Policy, Transportation, Fuel Energy Complex, Buildings and Construction Committee of the Supreme Council.

Energy Minister Talebek Ibrayev stated that in 2026, the focus will be on promoting the construction of multiple hydropower projects, including the development of an intergovernmental agreement for the Kambalata-1 hydropower station project, the signing of a project document for the construction of the upper spillway of the Kambalata-2 hydropower station, the completion of the modernization of two hydroelectric generating units at the Uchikulgan hydropower station, and the development of feasibility studies for the Kazarman hydropower station and the Susamelkoumelian hydropower station projects. In addition, the Keming Barrekchi 500 kV transmission line will complete internal procedures, determine the contractor, and initiate design work. At the same time, the signing of the investment agreement and feasibility study preparation for the Karakache hydropower station project will be promoted, and the implementation plan for the Upper Naren cascade hydropower station project will be formulated, and investment will be attracted to implement the Chaldovar hydropower station project.

Hydropower is the backbone of Kyrgyzstan's energy system, accounting for 95% of domestic electricity generation. Many hydropower projects planned for 2026 have deep participation from Chinese enterprises. The mechanical and electrical equipment supply and installation project of Kambalata-2 hydropower station is undertaken by Dongfang Electric Group. The project signed a contract in Bishkek on June 17, 2025, and will provide one 120 MW low head large capacity mixed flow water turbine generator unit. It is the largest hydropower project with a single unit capacity exported to Kyrgyzstan by China, with a contract amount exceeding 30 million US dollars. The modernization renovation of the two units of the Uchikurgan hydropower station was also won by Dongfang Electric Group. Its general contractor, China Electric Power Engineering Co., Ltd., officially signed a contract with Kyrgyzstan Power Station Company on June 28, 2021. The plan is to increase the capacity of the original four 45 MW axial flow propeller units to 56 MW, and the total installed capacity will be increased to 216 MW. After the renovation, the service life of the power station will be extended by 25 to 30 years. Keywords: hydropower news, photovoltaic, the Belt and Road

In addition to traditional hydropower, Chinese companies are also accelerating their layout in the renewable energy sector in Kyrgyzstan. In June 2025, the Issyk Lake 1000 MW photovoltaic project jointly developed and constructed by China Railway 20th Bureau and China Power International Development Co., Ltd. signed an investment and construction agreement. The project covers an area of more than 20000 mu, and is the first large-scale photovoltaic power generation project in Kyrgyzstan. It will inject new impetus into the diversification of the country's energy structure and further deepen green energy cooperation under the the Belt and Road framework.Editor/Gao Xue