The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, supported by the World Bank Group and co-hosted by the Government of Austria, convened high-level delegations from Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and international financial institutions and private investors at the Kyrgyz Republic International Energy Investment Forum. The event, held in Vienna, aimed to discuss the future of energy in Central Asia.
The Forum attracted over 200 delegates and highlighted the Kyrgyz Republic’s progress in energy sector reforms, investment opportunities, and the region’s potential for a clean energy transition. The government presented 12 investment projects totaling $16 billion, with a focus on hydropower and solar initiatives designed to diversify and expand the country’s power generation capabilities.
“This Forum is of historic significance not only for the Kyrgyz Republic but for the entire Central Asia region – especially given its focus on the development of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, which is poised to become a game-changer for the region,” said Akylbek Zhaparov, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic. He emphasized the Forum’s role in promoting sustainable development and a green, prosperous future.
Antonella Bassani, World Bank’s Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, remarked, “Reliable energy access is central to the growth and development of not only the Kyrgyz Republic but the entire Central Asia region. We are proud to help unite this region and our key partners around a common goal: ensuring that every Central Asian household can switch on the lights—powered by the sun, wind, or water—while safeguarding our planet for future generations.”
A major focus of the Forum was the Kambarata-1 hydropower project, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Central Asia’s energy and water sectors. Supported by unprecedented cooperation among the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, the project is expected to enhance regional energy security and green transition, while also improving water supply for irrigation and food security.
The Forum also inaugurated the Kambarata-1 HPP Donor Coordination Committee, which includes major international financial institutions and development partners. This committee aims to provide comprehensive support for the Kambarata-1 HPP project within a sustainable macro-economic, commercial, environmental, and social framework.
Additionally, representatives from the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan announced the signing of an inter-ministerial agreement on the joint development of the Kambarata-1 HPP, marking a significant step towards greater regional cooperation.
The event was supported by the Central Asia Water and Energy Program (CAWEP), a regional knowledge and technical assistance partnership administered by the World Bank and funded by the European Union, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program.
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