Major energy projects, including the long-suffering Kambar-Ata HPP-1, were again the focus of attention during a meeting between Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev and the leadership of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila on June 4, 2025. Despite ADB’s stated readiness to allocate $130–150 million for the first stage of Kambar-Ata-1, issues of environmental safety and public participation remain without clear answers. The public hearing promised for May 2025 on the final version of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for Kambar-Ata-1 never took place, which is a matter of serious concern.
Against the backdrop of these large-scale plans, the news about the allocation of a $940.8 thousand grant to ADB for the modernization of the MDM system of OJSC «Kyrgyz Energy Settlement Center» looks almost routine. Digital transformation of the energy sector is certainly important, but it should not obscure the fundamental environmental risks associated with giant hydropower projects.
The rehabilitation of the Toktogul hydroelectric power station is also ongoing: three hydraulic units have already been commissioned, the fourth is expected before the end of 2025, which will give an increase of 240 MW. However, Minister Ibraev is already proposing that ADB begin a new, even more ambitious project – rehabilitation of the Kurpsai hydroelectric power station (800 MW) with an increase in the capacity of hydraulic units by 20%. Funding for this project will be considered by ADB only after the completion of the feasibility study, leaving room for questions about its comprehensive assessment, including environmental assessment.
A similar rush can be seen in the project to modernize the Uch-Korgon hydroelectric power station. With a planned completion by the end of 2027, accelerated rehabilitation of two more units has been discussed since the spring of 2026 due to the current electricity shortage. The drive to build up capacity as quickly as possible is understandable, but should not come at the cost of ignoring potential environmental consequences and proper risk assessment.
Even the successful pilot project of a solar station at HPP-5 (JSC «Chakan HPP») with a capacity of 100 kW, which is now planned to be expanded to 15 MW, covering the entire surface of the reservoir with photovoltaic panels, raises questions about the speed of implementation. ADB agreed to fully implement this project, but the timing and environmental aspects of such large-scale coverage of the water surface remain unclear.
The Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic also expressed its readiness to discuss with ADB projects for the construction and modernization of network infrastructure, a list of which will be presented if the bank is interested.
The central topic of the negotiations, of course, was Kambar-Ata HPP-1. The Kyrgyz side again emphasized the need for «significant investments, modern technologies and reliable partners», seeing ADB as a key player. It is proposed to involve the World Bank, agree on «a roadmap» and discuss the terms of financing. At the same time, despite ADB’s preliminary agreement to consider allocating $130–150 million for the initial stage, the fate of the project and its impact on the region’s ecosystem remain vague. The lack of dialogue with the public on EIA only exacerbates these concerns.
The parties agreed on a new meeting in Kyrgyzstan, but the main question – whether proper environmental expertise and transparency will be ensured in the implementation of these ambitious energy initiatives, especially Kambar-Aty-1 – remains open.
Alexander Eskendirov (Rivers.Help!)
