Kyrgyzstan has begun construction of its first wind power plant in the city of Balykchy, according to Vesti.kg, citing the Ministry of Agriculture.

Located in the Karakul Free Economic Zone, the wind farm is expected to generate 250mn kilowatt-hours of electricity annually once fully operational. The project is being developed in two stages, with a total planned capacity of 100 megawatts (MW).

According to the Ministry, the first wind generator—rated at 1 MW—is set to be commissioned in August 2025. The first phase will include the installation of 21 turbines with a combined capacity of 50 MW, while the second phase will see the addition of another 20 turbines, each with a capacity of 2.5 MW.

“This day symbolized the beginning of real changes. For the first time, Kyrgyzstan is moving from words to practice in the development of wind energy,” said Bakyt Torobaev, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry.

Officials say the wind farm will strengthen energy reliability in the Issyk-Kul region and reduce dependence on traditional energy sources. In addition to powering local needs, the electricity generated will be available for export through the CASA-1000 regional energy project.

Environmental benefits are also a key part of the initiative. The project is expected to prevent emissions equivalent to those produced by 35,000 cars annually, contributing to reductions in carbon dioxide, smog, acid rain, and respiratory illnesses.

The construction and operation of the plant will create up to 50 jobs, while bringing additional tax revenues to the local budget. Investments in social infrastructure are also planned as part of the project’s broader community impact.