Kyrgyzstan seeks foreign capital to develop hydropower sector

Kyrgyzstan has designated the hydropower sector as its primary target for foreign investment, seeking to develop its largely underutilized river resources. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Kyrgyz First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev said the Central Asian nation is looking to attract external capital on transparent commercial terms.

The country’s flagship project remains the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, a large-scale initiative designed to bolster the energy balance across Central Asia. Due to the substantial financial resources required for the project, Bishkek is seeking international partners to help fund its construction.

Alongside major installations, the Kyrgyz government is promoting the development of small and medium-sized generation facilities, as well as related renewable energy sectors. This parallel approach allows for quicker deployment of new capacity, addressing local power supply challenges in mountainous regions without the long payback periods associated with larger dams.

Bishkek is placing a particular emphasis on attracting Russian businesses to these initiatives. Amangeldiev invited Russian companies to participate as direct investors and technology partners, offering opportunities in equipment supply, engineering design, and the installation of control systems.