WASHINGTON: The World Bank has expressed its readiness to provide comprehensive support for the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant project in Kyrgyzstan, as reported by Trend News Agency. The announcement was made by Beatrice Maser, Executive Director at the World Bank Group, during a meeting with Adylbek Kasymaliev, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, in Washington, DC.

According to Trend News Agency, Maser’s statement underscores the World Bank’s commitment to projects that drive economic development in Kyrgyzstan, particularly the Kambarata HPP-1. This project is seen as pivotal not only for Kyrgyzstan’s energy needs but also for bolstering energy security and sustainable development across Central Asia. Maser highlighted the potential benefits of the hydropower project in enhancing regional cooperation.

Kasymaliev emphasized the project’s role in providing Kyrgyzstan with clean and affordable energy, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth. He also noted that the project wo
uld enhance Kyrgyzstan’s investment appeal. At the conclusion of the meeting, Kasymaliev invited Maser to visit Kyrgyzstan to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with the World Bank.

The construction of Kambarata HPP-1 is scheduled to begin in 2025, with the first hydro unit expected to be operational by 2028. The project is estimated to cost between $4.5 billion and $5 billion and aims to achieve a capacity of 1,860 MW, producing approximately 5.6 billion kWh of electricity annually. Additionally, on July 11, 2024, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved an extra $13.6 million to support technical assistance for the project, supplementing the original budget of $5 million.