Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev held a meeting with the head of the World Bank Group, Hugh Riddel, during which the progress of the ambitious project for the construction of Kambarata HPP-1 was discussed. The press service of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic reported that the parties paid attention to the current state of the project, analyzed the work done and outlined further steps.

Taalaibek Ibraev expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its support to the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan. He emphasized that thanks to the $18.6 million allocated by the bank, the feasibility study of the project is being updated.

The Minister also briefed Hugh Riddell on the progress of the preparatory work. They include building roads, concreting a tunnel, building a bridge, creating a work camp and laying power lines. He added that environmentalists and sociologists are working at the site, and a public opinion poll is being conducted regarding the construction of the hydroelectric power station.

Significant results have already been achieved as part of the preparatory work. The road from the TT-2 exit portal to Slot №2 is 82% ready, and concreting is 44% complete. On the road to the hydroelectric power station site, 2.5 kilometers of pavement have been laid, concreting is 22.32% complete. The TT-2 transport tunnel, 126 meters long, is completely ready. The 18-kilovolt overhead line has already laid 6.794 kilometers (37.7%), installed 25 supports and 732 insulators, and delivered two transformers. Work is underway to build a bridge across the Naryn River, temporarily suspended due to weather conditions. During the construction of the workers’ camp, the foundations of the ATK building, canteen and dormitory are 100% ready.

During the meeting, Ibraev voiced a number of proposals to the World Bank representative:

• creating jobs for local people once construction is completed;
• allocating 1% of the electricity generated as support for local residents;
• providing assistance to low-income families;
• education and training of approximately 1,000 energy engineering students until completion of construction;
• providing local residents with drinking water;
• construction of a 110 kV backup power transmission line between Toktogul district and Kambar-Ata-2 hydroelectric power station.

The meeting participants discussed pressing issues that require prompt resolution and agreed on further actions aimed at the speedy start of basic construction work at Kambarata HPP-1. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation for the successful implementation of this strategically important project.