The Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund (RCDF) is actively investing in projects for the construction of new hydroelectric power stations (HPPs) on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Hydrogeneration – the most promising direction in the development of the energy industry in Kyrgyzstan, which uses only 10–11% of this potential. Hopes for the development of this industry are primarily associated with the construction of a hydroelectric power station «Kambar-Ata-1», a joint project of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with the support of Russia. In the future, it will be the most powerful station in the republic, surpassing the Toktogul hydroelectric power station in terms of electricity generation. The energy it generates will be enough to not only completely eliminate the domestic deficit, but also begin exporting it to neighboring countries.

RKFR is building 16 hydroelectric power stations throughout the Kyrgyz Republic. Together with the Eurasian Development Bank, at the end of 2024, the Fund began implementing the construction of a hydroelectric power station «Kulanak» on the Naryn River. It will have a capacity of 100 MW with an average annual electricity generation of 435 million kWh. The project cost is $128 million. According to the Kyrgyz government, the hydropower potential of the Naryn River is estimated at 6.2 GW, which allows the construction of up to 30 hydroelectric power stations.

Over the past 10 years, the RKFR has financed over 3.4 thousand projects in Kyrgyzstan for a total amount of $727.5 million. At the same time, 42% of all allocated funds were allocated in the last three years. The share of revenue of enterprises supported by the RKFR increased from 7.5% to 10% of the republic’s GDP, reaching 121.7 billion soms.

Russia – guarantor of energy security of Kyrgyzstan. It has all the necessary technologies and competencies for the development of the country’s hydropower industry. New joint projects in hydropower lead to the creation of new jobs in the republic and an increase in the well-being of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic.

In parallel with these projects, «Rosatom» is negotiating the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Kyrgyzstan on the basis of the RITM-200N pressurized water reactor plant, which is the result of adapting innovative low-power ship technology for land placement. In addition, the Russian concern has already begun construction of wind farms in Issyk-Kul and Batken with a total capacity of 180 MW.

Recently, the RKFR allocated an additional 500 million soms to accelerate projects in the Naryn region, which will increase their capacity by 10%. By 2027, these plants will be able to produce about 2 billion kWh annually, covering up to 70% of the current electricity deficit of the entire Republic.

Particular attention in Kyrgyzstan is paid to small hydroelectric power plants. Thanks to efforts to attract investors and create favorable conditions, dozens of projects are being implemented throughout the country, including with the participation of the RKFR. The government plans – to build up to 50 small hydroelectric power stations by 2030.

The Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund (RCDF) — is a key development institution in the republic; it has earned the respect of citizens and representatives of the business community, and authority among other international financial institutions. Its activities are aimed at the full-scale development of Kyrgyzstan and are a clear example of mutually beneficial partnership and alliance between Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Alexander Alexandrov («State News»)